Former NBA center Jawann Oldham died Monday in Atlanta. He was 68.
Oldham’s death was confirmed by Seattle University, where the 7-footer was a star for four seasons from 1976-80.
Oldham was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the 1980 NBA Draft. He played one season with the Nuggets and one season with the Houston Rockets before signing with the Chicago Bulls in 1983. He played as a reserve big man alongside Michael Jordan, who was drafted by the Bulls the following year in 1984.
After four seasons with the Bulls, Oldham played one season with the Sacramento Kings before playing a handful of games each for the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers from 1989-91. He finished his 10-year NBA career averaging 4.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 15.9 minutes per game.
Chicago Bulls center Jawann Oldham defends the basket against Utah Jazz forward Adrian Dantley during a game in Chicago on December 21, 1985. (AP Photo/Charlie Bennett)AP
Oldham also played four seasons in the Continental Basketball Association, finishing his career with the Chicago Rockers in 1996, according to [The Seattle Times](https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seattle-university/jawann-oldham-a-basketball-star-at-cleveland-high-seattle-u-dies-at-68/).
Prior to his pro career, Oldham was a hometown star at Seattle’s Cleveland High School before playing at Seattle U.
“He was one of the great basketball players to come out of Seattle,” Philip Petty, Oldham’s childhood friend, told The Times. “He was a versatile player for his height. He was probably one of the fastest centers at that time. He could score when he had to, but man he could block shots.”
After retirement, Oldham founded a basketball academy in Dubai and launched professional leagues in China and South Korea, per The Times.
Oldham is survived by his daughter, Jasmine.