On December 3, 2010, the Philadelphia 76ers and the NBA lost longtime Philadelphia Daily News beat writer Phil Jasner - a dear friend and colleague to many, both locally and nationally.
"Phil was a true professional in every sense of the word," said Comcast-Spectacor Chairman Ed Snider. "He was always first class in his coverage of the Philadelphia 76ers, being fair and balanced every time. He was extremely knowledgeable about the game of basketball and passionate about his work.
"Over the years, I got to know Phil very well and we became good friends. I am truly going to miss him."
As the 76ers beat reporter since 1981 and a member of the Daily News staff since 1972, Jasner left an indelible legacy on his peers and was the quintessential journalist, covering the team with an attention to detail and passion like no other.
"Phil really loved his job. He did a terrific job of covering the Philadelphia 76ers and the game of basketball," said Comcast-Spectacor President Peter Luukko. "He took a lot of pride in his work. He was respected around the League by players, coaches, general managers and team owners.
"I always enjoyed spending time with Phil before a game and hearing some of his insights into the game of basketball. He was a good friend. He will be missed. I would like to send my condolences to his family."
The Sixers will miss Phil's laughter, his wit, his dedication to his craft and the team that he covered so diligently for so long.
"Phil Jasner was the ultimate professional," Sixers Head Coach Doug Collins said. "Just the ultimate respect that was shown to this man the last days of his life. Writers from New York stopped to see him, people from all across the country have called him, reached out to him.
"Phil was all about the truth. He was all about facts. He wasn't about any rumors, he was all about the right things."
Added Sixers General Manager Ed Stefanski: "He loved to talk about basketball, off the record, just talk hoops. How many guys who had Stage 4 cancer would continue on like he did? He just loved it. He loved basketball. It was his outlet.
"We argued sometimes, had great debates. But he was fair and he was a character. Philadelphia basketball people are interesting people, and he was one of them."
The team sends its condolences to his son Andy, Andy's family, and Phil's life partner Marcia Levinson.