Former Knicks Forward Tragically Dies in Single-Car Crash at 60
Gerald Paddio, a former UNLV standout and veteran of multiple NBA rosters, died on April 4. He was 60. Authorities found him at the scene of a single-vehicle crash near Rayne, Louisiana.
Acadia Parish Sheriff K.P. Gibson discovered Paddio. Filmogaz.com confirmed the death with the sheriff’s office. The incident occurred on the side of a two-lane road.
NBA career
Paddio played in the NBA across three seasons. He appeared in 129 regular-season games and averaged 5.5 points in 12.6 minutes per contest.
- Cleveland Cavaliers (1990–91)
- Seattle SuperSonics (1992–93)
- Indiana Pacers (1993–94)
- New York Knicks (1993–94)
- Washington Bullets (1993–94)
He also took part in nine playoff games for the SuperSonics in 1993. He averaged roughly 3.3 minutes off the bench in that postseason.
College and draft background
Paddio began at Kilgore College and Seminole State before transferring to UNLV. He was a key contributor on the 1986–87 Runnin’ Rebels team that reached the Final Four.
That UNLV squad finished 37–2. Paddio averaged 13.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 39 games, starting 37.
Memorable NCAA run
In the 1987 Elite Eight against Iowa, Paddio helped ignite a 24–2 second-half run. His timely three-pointers helped erase a 16-point halftime deficit. UNLV advanced with an 84–81 victory.
Paddio entered the 1988 NBA Draft and was selected in the third round. The Boston Celtics chose him 74th overall.
Professional journey abroad
Before and after his NBA tenure, Paddio played extensively overseas. He spent two seasons in Spain, and seasons in Italy and France.
He played for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the 1995 FIBA Korac Cup. His career also included stops in Argentina, Japan, Lebanon and Mexico.
Personal background and legacy
Paddio was a native of Lafayette, Louisiana. He credited UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian’s emphasis on defense and effort for shaping his career.
Many remember him as a 6-foot-7 small forward who could shoot over smaller defenders. The basketball community continues to react to the news of his tragic death.
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