Passion. Commitment. Intensity. Just a few of the words those close to John MacLeod chose in paying tribute to the late Phoenix Suns coach, who died Sunday at the age of 81.
"He was one of the great contributors to the legacy of what was created with the Suns," said Jerry Colangelo, the former general manager and owner of the Suns on Monday. "I have nothing but great respect and admiration for him as a person, as a father, and as a family man."
MacLeod is the longest-tenured head coach in Suns history, running the team for 14 seasons (1973-74 to 1986-87), and owns the franchise mark for wins, 579.