Jack Haley (basketball)

American professional basketball player

Jack Kevin Haley (January 27, 1964 – March 16, 2015) was an American professional basketball player. A 6'10" forward/center from Huntington Beach High School and UCLA, Haley spent nine seasons (1988–1992; 1993–1998) in the National Basketball Association as a member of the Chicago Bulls, New Jersey Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, and San Antonio Spurs.

Haley was the son of noted surfing pioneer Jack Haley, Sr. He attended Huntington Beach High School and UCLA.

Haley was drafted in 1987 by the Chicago Bulls and made his NBA debut on November 9, 1988. After several years playing elsewhere, Haley returned to the Bulls as a free agent in October 1995 and was a member of the 1995–96 Bulls team that won a league record 72 games and the NBA Championship. However, Haley spent almost the entire season on the injured list with tendinitis in his left knee. As a result, he only played in one game during the regular season and did not participate in the playoffs. At one point, another unidentified team complained to the league office, which sent out a doctor to examine Haley's knee. Haley was mainly known for his friendship with Dennis Rodman, and was sometimes referred to as Rodman's "babysitter". However, Haley bristled at the label, and argued that he had legitimately earned his spot on the team.

Following his playing career, Haley served as an assistant coach for the New Jersey Nets and as a television broadcaster for the Lakers, co hosting the Lakers Live pre game show with Bill Macdonald for Fox Sports Net West/Prime Ticket. Haley also acted, appearing in the films Eddie and Rebound, as well as the music video for Aerosmith's "Love in an Elevator."

Haley died on March 16, 2015, of heart disease at age 51. On April 16, 2015, a memorial service at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach was attended by family and friends, including notable NBA players and coaches.