Former NBA player and front office executive Lance Blanks passed away on Thursday.

Blanks, who was the former general manager of the Suns, also worked for several other teams including the Clippers, Cavs, and Spurs.

Blanks also played for the Pistons and Timberwolves.

"Lance was a light for all those who knew him. 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," said NBA executive Joe Dumars.