NBA

Former Nets forward Schintzius dies from leukemia

TAMPA, Fla. — Former Nets forward Dwayne Schintzius died Sunday afternoon from respiratory failure at the age of 43, The Tampa Tribune reported.

Schintzius was a former first-round pick who spent nine seasons in the NBA, after leading the University of Florida to its first three NCAA tournament appearances. He remains the only SEC player with more than 1,000 points, 800 rebounds, 250 assists and 250 blocked shots. Schintzius played with the Nets from 1992-’95, and also played for the Spurs, Kings, Pacers, Clippers and Celtics.

Schintzius was diagnosed with Myelomonocytic Leukemia in 2009 and was declared cancer-free after receiving a successful bone marrow transplant from his younger brother Travis in early 2010.

But further issues required Schintzius to undergo a second bone marrow transplant and he endured months of complications from the procedure leading up to his death.

“He’s at peace now,” Travis said. “He’s not suffering anymore. Now he’s probably cracking jokes and making people laugh in heaven.“

Schintzius was selected 24th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 1990 NBA Draft. He was well known for his mullet hairdo and also for his performance as a Russian basketball player in the 1996 comedy “Eddie,” starring Whoopi Goldberg.

Twice divorced with no children, Schintzius is survived by his brother, Travis, and parents, Ken and Linda.