Dennis Johnson, former guard for the Seattle SuperSonics and Boston Celtics, has passed away.  Johnson reportedly collapsed during practice on Thursday.

Johnson was a five-time All-Star and the MVP of the 1979 Finals.  He won one title with the Sonics and two with Boston.

"Whether he was leading his teams to NBA championships or teaching young men the meaning of professionalism, Dennis Johnson?s contributions to the game went far beyond the basketball court," said David Stern in a statement released to RealGM and other media outlets.

"Dennis was a man of extraordinary  character  with a tremendous passion for the game and his loss will be felt throughout the basketball community. On behalf of the entire NBA family, I extend my deepest sympathy to his wife Donna, his children Dwayne, Denise and Daniel, and their entire family."

Johnson was briefly the head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers in 2002 and had been the head coach of the Austin Toros of the NBA Development League.

?Speaking for our entire organization, I want to say how saddened we are to hear this shocking news," said Elgin Baylor, VP of Basketball Operations for the Clippers.  

"Dennis was a joy to be around and a terrific person.  He will truly be missed by the many people whose lives he touched.  Our deepest sympathies go out to his family.?