What happened to Eric Montross? Family says former NBA star diagnosed with cancer

Eric Montross, the former NBA player-turned-TV host, has been diagnosed with cancer, per a statement his family put out on social media on Sunday, March 26. The statement did not reveal what type of cancer he was diagnosed with, but said that he is currently undergoing treatment.

“Eric was recently diagnosed with cancer and is beginning treatments under the care of the amazing oncologist, nurses and staff at the world-class UNC Lineberger Cancer Center,” the statement said.

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“Our family is of course deeply concerned, but we have spent nearly three decades in the fight against children’s cancer and know well the incredible advancements that are being made in oncology treatments, as well as the power of love, prayer, support and positivity,” his family members Eric, Laura, Andrew and Sarah Montross continued.

“We are all touched by the responses our entire family has received since the news became public. Your support is more than appreciated; it is welcomed as a necessary part of beating cancer one day at a time. Our family is dealing with Eric’s diagnosis head-on — the only way we know how. And we are all in this fight together.”

Montross was selected by the Boston Celtics with the ninth overall pick in the 1994 NBA Draft. He played for the Celtics from 1994 to 1996, averaging 6.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game during his time there.

In 1996, Montross was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, where he played for two seasons. He then played for the New Jersey Nets for a season before being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in 1999. He played for the 76ers for one season before being traded to the Detroit Pistons in 2000.

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Montross played for the Pistons for two seasons before being traded to the Toronto Raptors in 2002. He played his final season in the NBA with the Raptors in 2003, averaging 1.4 points and 1.4 rebounds per game.

After retiring from the NBA, Eric Montross transitioned to a career in broadcasting and worked as a color analyst for college basketball games. He also served as a radio analyst for the University of North Carolina men’s basketball team, his alma mater. In addition to broadcasting, Montross has been involved in various philanthropic activities.