The Milwaukee Bucks have announced the passing of longtime NBA assistant coach and player Joe Wolf at 59.
Wolf was an assistant coach for the Bucks’ G-League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd since last year. No cause of death was announced by the team.
Wolf played for seven NBA teams and had two stints each with the Charlotte Hornets and Denver Nuggets.
‘Joe touched many live and was a highly respected, adored and dedicated coach and player across the NBA,’ a Bucks’ statement read. ‘His well-regarded talent was instrumental for the Bucks and Herd over eight years with the organization, including as a player and coach.’
Wolf had the chance to be a head coach three times, all of which came at the developmental-league level.
Joe Wolf, an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks’ G-League affiliate has passed away at 59
The teams that are now the Salt Lake City Stars and the Texas Legends were coached by Wolf, as well as the Greensboro Swarm, the current G-League affiliate of the Hornets.
Wolf spent 12 years as a player in the NBA and a quarter-century as a professional coach.
In 2005, he was named the greatest high school basketball ever in the state of Wisconsin by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
He earned a scholarship to North Carolina and played alongside Michael Jordan for the Tar Heels.
‘Off the court, Joe was a beloved brother, uncle, friend and community leader,’ the Bucks statement continued.
‘We send our deepest condolences to Joe’s family and friends. The Bucks and Herd will always be grateful to Joe for his hard work and commitment to our organization. He will be missed.’
