12 NBA Players who died during their Playing Career 

Lorenzen Wright
Lorenzen Wright

#10 Fernando Martin

Fernando Martin - elespanol.com
Fernando Martin (via elespanol.com)

Fernando Martin was the first Spanish national to join the NBA, doing so in 1986. He was also just the second European to play in the league and was one of the biggest basketball talents in his country during his time as a player.

Best known for his stint at Real Madrid, Martin won four Spanish league titles, three Copa del Rey trophies, two Saporta Cups, a Korac Cup and a Club World Cup with the side.

After moving to the United States, the 6ft 9in forward joined the Portland Trailblazers, but due to various injuries only made a meager 24 appearances. He moved back to his country at the end of that season, and in a shocking turn of events, perished in a car accident at the age of 27 in December of 1989, leaving the sports world in complete shock.

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