Magic Johnson pays heartfelt tribute to fellow draft pick David Greenwood, dead at 68 after cancer battle

The basketball world is mourning the loss of David Greenwood, a former UCLA standout and NBA veteran who passed away at the age of 68 after a courageous battle with cancer. Greenwood, who died on Sunday in Riverside, California, was celebrated for his on-court achievements, but he was also known for the wisdom, mentorship, and humility he brought throughout his life.

His passing was confirmed by UCLA, citing family members.

Magic Johnson honors late NBA peer David Greenwood, who dies at 68 after a cancer fight

NBA legend Magic Johnson honored David Greenwood with a touching message on X, alongside a nostalgic black-and-white photo from their early days. “I’m sorry to hear the news about the passing of David Greenwood. David Greenwood and I were drafted picks 1 and 2 in the 1979 NBA Draft. I’m praying for the Greenwood family and all of his loved ones. Rest in Peace David!” Johnson wrote on X.

That 1979 NBA Draft forever linked the two— Magic was selected No. 1 by the Los Angeles Lakers, while Greenwood went second to the Chicago Bulls. Before the arrival of Michael Jordan, Greenwood, Reggie Theus, and Orlando Woolridge formed the team’s core, laying the groundwork for a brighter future in Chicago.Before his pro journey, Greenwood rose to prominence at Verbum Dei High School in Los Angeles and carried that promise into UCLA.

He joined the Bruins just months after the unexpected retirement of coaching legend John Wooden in 1975. Greenwood became a four-year starter, leading UCLA to a 102-17 record, multiple league titles, and a Final Four appearance in 1976. He averaged 14.8 points and 8.7 rebounds in 118 games and earned back-to-back first-team All-America honors, becoming the first Bruin to do so since Bill Walton.Over his 12-year NBA career, Greenwood suited up for Chicago, San Antonio, Denver, and Detroit.

He played a key reserve role with the Pistons during their 1990 NBA championship run. But it was in San Antonio where Greenwood’s influence took on a different dimension.Former Spurs star Sean Elliott recalled how Greenwood, then in his final season, took a young Elliott under his wing. “He was a great vet for me,” Elliott said. “I have a lot of good stories about him, but none I can actually tell because he really kind of saved me from the perils away from the court.”Greenwood’s quiet leadership and experience helped mold the future All-Star. “He was a good guy as far as keeping you focused and teaching you about the pitfalls away from the court,” Elliott added. Greenwood, who had previously torn his Achilles, may have lost a step physically, but his basketball IQ and locker room presence remained invaluable.In his best season with the Spurs, Greenwood averaged 11.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game.

His grit was best displayed in a standout performance against Utah, where he grabbed 20 rebounds. Spurs owner Angelo Drossos famously said, “You could lock some forwards in a gym by themselves and they still wouldn’t get 20 rebounds.”Post-retirement, Greenwood returned to his roots, coaching at Verbum Dei and leading the school to back-to-back state championships in 1998 and 1999. His legacy extended beyond the hardwood through his mentorship and community involvement.Also Read: Magic Johnson's Haunting Warning: How Losing This Player for $9M Cost the Los Angeles Lakers-And What They Must Fix NowDavid Greenwood is survived by his children, Jemil and Tiffany, brother Al, sister Laverne, and former wife Joyce. He was a proud inductee of both the Pac-12 Hall of Honor and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.