Jerry Sloan, the man who led the Utah Jazz for 23 seasons (1988-2011) with a firm hand, died Friday at the age of 78 from the complications of his neurodegenerative disease. The fourth most victorious coach in NBA history (1,221) led the best years in franchise history alongside Karl Malone and John Stockton, with whom he reached the 1997 and 1998 Finals. However, on both occasions he fell against Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls.

Sloan's health, cut off from public life since 2016 by Parkinson's disease and advanced dementia, had deteriorated markedly in recent weeks. "He is not feeling well, so I ask that they pray for him," Malone revealed just two days ago.

"He will always be part of our organization," said the Jazz statement, which joined family and friends "to mourn his loss." "We are very grateful for his more than two decades of dedication, loyalty and tenacity," added the letter. Sloan, who guided the Jazz to 16 consecutive seasons with more than 50% wins, has the sixth-best win percentage in history (60.3%).

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