Hall of Famer, Philadelphia 76ers legend Hal Greer dies at 81

AJ Neuharth-Keusch | USA TODAY

Basketball Hall of Famer and Philadelphia 76ers legend Hal Greer has died, the franchise announced Monday. He was 81.

The Sixers said Greer died Saturday night in Arizona after a brief illness.

Greer spent all 15 of his seasons with the Syracuse Nationals and 76ers. He was a 10-time All-Star and, alongside wilt Chamberlain, led Philadelphia to the 1967 NBA championship, averaging 27.7 points per game throughout those playoffs.

A guard best known on the court for his consistency and midrange jumper, Greer is the 76ers' all-time leader in points, as well as games and minutes played.

In 1976, he became the first player to have his number retired by the 76ers organization. He was also the first player to have a statue erected on the Legends Walk at the team's training facility.

The 76ers mourn the passing of Hal Greer, an NBA champion, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer and team legend » https://t.co/AowwLmxKwm pic.twitter.com/NW4ZkQveL7 — Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 16, 2018

Farewell, Hall of Famer Hal Greer. It was a pleasure meeting you and watching you play as a young boy. RIP. pic.twitter.com/kWi2nQScKb — Tom Moore (@TomMoorePhilly) April 16, 2018

"In addition to his historic contributions on the court, Greer will forever be remembered as a true gentleman who used the tremendous platform of basketball to uplift and inspire others," the 76ers said in a news release.

Born in Huntington, West Virginia, Greer was the first African-American athlete to be offered a scholarship to Marshall University, where he averaged 19.4 points per game in his three seasons.

He was the 13th overall pick by the Nationals in the 1958 draft.

"Hal Greer's talent, drive, tenacity and unforgettable jump shot made him a Hall of Famer and one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history," commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. "An NBA champion and the 76ers' career scoring leader, he also embraced a leading role in the racial integration of basketball at Marshall University and his home state of West Virginia. As the NBA family mourns Hal's passing, we celebrate his deep and lasting impact on our game."

The 76ers will honor Greer during Game 2 of their first-round series with the Miami Heat on Monday night.

Contributing: Associated Press