Kersey's death linked to blood clot that traveled to lungs

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The state medical examiner says former Portland Trail Blazers player Jerome Kersey died from a blood clot that traveled from his left calf to his lungs.

The determination by the medical examiner Thursday came a day after Kersey died at 52. Kersey had minor surgery on his knee last Friday.

He appeared Tuesday with fellow former Blazers Terry Porter Brian Grant at a Portland high school in celebration of African American History Month. He visited the team offices hours before his death.

Kersey helped the Trail Blazers twice reach the NBA Finals before he won a title with the San Antonio Spurs in 1999.

Kersey averaged 10.3 points and 5.5 rebounds in 17 seasons in the NBA with Portland, Golden State, the Los Angeles Lakers, Seattle, San Antonio and Milwaukee.