Jazz Coach Jerry Sloan in Worsening Condition as He Battles Dementia and Parkinson's Disease
By Kevin Aquino
Former Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan's condition is worsening as he deals with complications from Lewy body dementia and Parkinson's disease. Sloan announced his illness to the public in 2016, but after three years, he appears to be in inceasingly bad shape.
I wanted to clarify some things about my dad. He has what's called Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinsons disease. He still walks...a lot. Eats a lot too. I just visited him last week. 2 very rough diseases, but he hasn't given up.
— Kathy Sloan Wood (@zvillehomesales) July 17, 2019
https://t.co/RZxQvq57Mk
To hear that Sloan now needs around-the-clock care and dealing with physical and mental limitations is tough
Sloan is most known for his time coaching the Jazz from 1988-2011, being the mastermind behind the teams that boasted the dynamic duo of Karl Malone and John Stockton. Sloan coached opposite Phil Jackson in the 1997 and 1998 NBA Finals, led the Jazz to six total division titles and had 10 regular seasons of 50-plus wins.
The iconic coach was inducted in to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame alongside Stockton in 2009 and has the number 1223 retired by the Jazz to represent the number of wins he recorded as head coach.
Sloan's 2011 departure was a bit unceremonious, as rumors swirled of then-Jazz point guard Deron Williams causing his resignation. Sloan returned to the Jazz in 2013 as senior basketball advisor and scouting consultant.