Ex-NBA player, Sixers coach Sean Rooks dies hours after interview with Knicks

Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Sean Rooks during warms ups before the game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Wells Fargo Center.(John Geliebter-USA Today Sports)

Tragic news from the NBA.

Sean Rooks, a 12-year NBA veteran and rising assistant coach, died on Tuesday night at the age of 46.

Rooks was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks with the 30th overall selection in the 1992 NBA Draft. That draft included superstar big men like Shaquille O'Neal and Alonzo Mourning. Rooks also played with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Hornets, Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks.

In 2004, after retiring from the NBA, Rooks transitioned into coaching. After two…