The NBA just lost one of its quietly enduring figures David Greenwood. A man who made his mark from the John Wooden era at UCLA all the way to hoisting a championship trophy with the Detroit Pistons has passed away at age of 68, leaving behind not just a legacy on the court, but a story that runs deep through family and resilience.
Greenwood wasn’t just another promising athlete from the city. He dominated at Verbum Dei High, became one of UCLA’s top scorers, and eventually reached the NBA’s summit with the Pistons. His journey wasn’t just about stats or stardom—it was grit, consistency, and loyalty to the game. And when he passed away on Sunday night at a Riverside hospital due to cancer, the news hit hard. But even more revealing is how quietly he carried that burden.
That’s where things get even more personal. After years of playing through injuries, Greenwood chose to face his final battle the same way uietly and alone. Everything happened so quickly. It was kind of a shock, shared David’s nephew, Bronson Greenwood.
It is the type of statement that compels one to stop and think. This is due to the fact that beneath the strength he exhibited on the court, Greenwood was evidently a man who wished to spare his loved ones from concern, even amidst his most challenging struggles. Therefore, as the basketball community contemplates, let us consider whom Greenwood has left behind.
David Greenwood’s family and loved ones
According to multiple reports, he was once married to Joyce, and together they had two children—son Jemil and daughter Tiffany. Beyond their names, though, not much is publicly known. And maybe that says something about the kind of private life Greenwood preferred to keep.
Still, his circle was close-knit. He had a brother named AI, a sister named Laverne, and of course, Bronson, who’s now helping carry forward the memory. Greenwood might be gone, but the quiet strength, the legacy, and the family who knew his full story they’ll carry it from here.
A lasting legacy
To really understand David Greenwood’s legacy, you’ve got to rewind to where it all started Verbum Dei High in Los Angeles. Right after John Wooden’s surprise retirement in March 1975, Greenwood joined UCLA and wasted no time making an impact. As a four-year starter, he put up 14.8 points and 8.7 rebounds across 118 games.
Even more impressive, his Bruins went 102-17 and won the league title every single season. He didn’t just play he led, helping the team reach the 1976 Final Four while being named league player of the year twice.
What followed was equally historic. Greenwood was the first UCLA player since Bill Walton to earn first-team All-America honors in back-to-back years. His dominance on the boards still has him sitting fourth on the school’s career rebounding list.
And when the 1979 NBA Draft rolled around, he was picked second overall. The Chicago Bulls lost the coin toss to the Los Angeles Lakers, who drafted future Hall of Famer Magic Johnson at No. 1, a twist of fate that shaped both franchises.
Nonetheless, Greenwood established his own legacy in Chicago prior to the Michael Jordan era. Together with Reggie Theus and Orlando Woolridge, he formed part of the Bulls’ foundational team before being traded to San Antonio in exchange for George Gervin. Subsequently, he played significant roles for both Denver and Detroit, even contributing off the bench to assist the Pistons in securing the 1990 NBA championship against Portland.
Moreover, Greenwood received accolades as well. He was inducted into the Pac-12 Hall of Honor and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. Although he was a modest legend, his impact will always be remembered. Rest in peace, legend.
