NEW YORK – NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement regarding the passing of Hall of Fame coach Tex Winter:

“Like James Naismith, Tex Winter was an educator at heart who deeply believed in the values of the game of basketball – teamwork, discipline and selflessness.  A pioneering Hall of Famer with 10 NBA Championships, he taught those values to generations of players and coaches, leaving a legacy that will forever be part of our history.  We extend our deepest sympathies to Tex’s family and his countless friends and former colleagues.”