Lance Blanks, former Suns GM, dies at 56

DALLAS - Lance Blanks, a former professional basketball player and general manager for the Phoenix Suns, has died.

Blanks died on May 3 in Dallas, the NBA announced Thursday. He was 56. Details surrounding Blanks' death were not released.

Blanks played college basketball in Virginia and Texas before being drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1990. He played three years in the NBA, followed by seven years overseas.

"Lance was a light for all those who knew him," said NBA executive Joe Dumars, one of his Detroit teammates. "It’s been a privilege to have called him one of my closest friends. I’m eternally grateful for all the support he has shown me throughout the years. His legacy will be carried on, not only by his family, but by all those whose lives he touched for the better."

After his playing career, Blanks worked as a scout for the San Antonio Spurs and as an assistant general for the Cleveland Cavaliers before becoming the general manager of the Suns in 2010.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Lance Blanks," the Suns said in a statement. "He loved basketball and contributed to the game as a player, executive, sout and broadcaster. We got to see his passion for the game firsthand in his time as Suns general manager. Beyond basketball, Lance was a devoted father to his beloved daughters and a revered friend to many. We extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this most difficult of times. He will be missed." 

Blanks is survived by his mother, brother, the mother of his two daughters, his daughters, and a granddaughter.

The Associated Press (AP) contributed to this report.