National Basketball Association

Basketball world remembers Jack Haley as upbeat spirit with rock 'n' roll heart

Published Mar. 17, 2015 5:30 p.m. ET

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Former NBA player Jack Haley died Tuesday at age 51, the Haley family announced Tuesday.

Haley played college ball at UCLA and was a fouth-round pick by the Chicago Bulls in 1987.

The 6-foot-10, 240-pounder was a journeyman. He played for four different franchises, earning a championship with Jackson's 1996 Bulls.

In his career that spanned 11 years and took him from Spain to the NBA to Greece to the CBA, his greatest memories were likely produced off the court.

Haley was a free spirit. When he was with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1991-92 season, they played preseason games in Europe. Haley stopped by the grave of Jim Morrison of The Doors and left a bottle of whiskey as a symbol of tribute.

His affection for music didn't end there. Haley actually has a bit role in Aerosmith's "Love In An Elevator" video.

Check it out. Haley appears dancing at around the 2:20 mark.

His friends and colleagues tweeted their respects:

UCLA sends condolences to the family of alumnus Jack Haley, who passed away Monday. #RIP http://t.co/e0yPpN2JqQ pic.twitter.com/X6AyXEthnt
— UCLA Basketball (@UCLAMBB) March 17, 2015