Spurs forward David West was devastated when he learned of the passing Friday of Indiana Pacers Hall of Fame big man Mel Daniels.
“It’s the kind of news that’s hard to take,” West said. “He was such a good man. That is so sad and my thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.”
No cause of death was announced but Daniels recently had undergone open heart surgery, according to one report. As recently as Wednesday night he had attended a Pacers game at Bankers Life Field House.
“He was one of those pure-hearted guys and when he shook your hand you knew he was a real man,” West said.