Philadelphia 76ers assistant Rooks dies at 46

Rooks, a former journeyman center who played 12 seasons in the NBA, died on Tuesday in Philadelphia, aged 46.

"It is with deep sadness and overwhelming grief that we mourn the sudden loss of my son, Sean," said Deborah Brown, Rooks' mother, in a statement, via The Philadelphia Inquirer.

"Our family asks that our privacy be respected as we grieve during this incredibly difficult time."

Rooks' cause of death has not been released.

The 30th overall selection in the 1992 NBA Draft, Rooks played for seven teams during his NBA career, averaging 6.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.

Rooks began coaching in the NBA D-League in 2007, serving as an assistant to four teams before joining the 76ers' staff in 2014.