Former Spurs GM Bass dies at 89

Former San Antonio general manager Bob Bass died in hospice care Friday night in his home after suffering a series of strokes.

He was 89.

Bass suffered a stroke on Aug. 6 that initially landed him in the hospital. He returned to enter hospice care after a second stroke, according to his granddaughter.

Bass spent 20 seasons with the Spurs in a variety of roles and helped the team reach the playoffs in 17 of those seasons.

He was also the GM when the Spurs made the jump from the ABA to the NBA in 1976.

"Over the course of four decades, Bob Bass had a huge impact in both the ABA and NBA. BB was a true pioneer in the world of professional basketball. His knowledge, passion, and dedication to the game were inspiring. We send our condolences to the entire Bass family," San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said in a statement.

After his long run with the Spurs, Bass became the general manager for the Charlotte Hornets in 1995.

He retired in 2004.

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