NBA champion Elden Campbell passes away at 57

Former NBA big man, 2004 champion, and 15-year league veteran Elden Campbell passed away early Wednesday morning (Philippine Standard Time) at the age of 57. No cause of death was disclosed.

Campbell’s family notified Clemson University and the Detroit Pistons of his passing, prompting the Pistons to release an official statement honoring the beloved former forward.

“The Detroit Pistons organization is deeply saddened and heartbroken by the news of Elden Campbell’s passing. A proud member of our 2004 NBA championship team, Elden patrolled the paint with strength and skill, playing an important role during one of the most memorable chapters in franchise history. Beyond his contributions on the court, Elden’s calm presence and warm personality made him beloved by teammates, fans, and the community alike. Our hearts and prayers are with Elden’s family and friends during this difficult time,” the team said.

We mourn the loss of Elden Campbell, our all-time leading scorer, All-American and three-time All-ACC player, who passed away at the age of 57. pic.twitter.com/bWP6wAcsn9

— Clemson Basketball (@ClemsonMBB) December 3, 2025

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Campbell rose to prominence at Clemson, starring for the Tigers from 1986 to 1990. He led the program to its only regular-season ACC championship and remains the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,880 points — a record that has stood for 35 years.

The 6-foot-11 forward was selected 27th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1990 NBA Draft, joining the roster in what became Magic Johnson’s final full season. Campbell contributed as a reserve during the Lakers’ run to the 1991 NBA Finals against Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls.

Over nine seasons in Los Angeles, he averaged 10.4 points and 5.9 rebounds in 618 regular-season appearances before being traded to the Charlotte Hornets during the 1998–99 campaign.

His arrival in Charlotte marked the peak of his career, highlighted by a standout first season in which he posted 15.3 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. Campbell later played for the New Orleans Hornets, Seattle SuperSonics, Detroit Pistons, and New Jersey Nets, finishing with career averages of 10.3 points and 5.9 rebounds across 1,044 NBA games.

Campbell is survived by his wife, Rosemary, and their four children.

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