Sean Rooks succumbed to the silent killer.
The former NBA center and up-and-coming assistant coach — he had just interviewed for a spot on the Knicks staff — reportedly suffered a heart attack before he died Tuesday night at a Philadelphia restaurant, at the age of 46.
According to TMZ, a representative of the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office said the coroner had diagnosed heart disease in the 6-foot-10 giant.
The 76ers, for whom Rooks worked last season as a player development coach, and the Knicks released statements Wednesday offering their condolences.
“We are all saddened and shocked by the passing of Sean Rooks, especially since we had just met with him yesterday about the possibilities of joining our coaching staff,” the Knicks said, on behalf of coach Jeff Hornacek.