Jawann Oldham, Former NBA Veteran and Seattle Public Schools Athletic Hall of Famer, Dies Unexpectedly at 68
NBANewsSuruchiJanuary 7, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on January 6, 2026
The Seattle sports community and the NBA are mourning the untimely passing of beloved basketball standout and former NBA player Jawann Oldham.
Jawann Oldham passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at an untimely age of 68, leaving his loved ones devastated.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 4, 1957, and growing up in Seattle, Oldham was a cherished member of the Seattle sports community and touched the lives of many with his remarkable NBA journey and post NBA career.
Jawann Oldham began his athletic career at Cleveland High School, from which he graduated in 1976.
Standing 7 feet tall, Jawann Oldham led his high school basketball team Eagles, to two consecutive state championships and was a two-time All-Metro first-team basketball selection.
He further continued his basketball career, attending Seattle University from which he earned his Boeing Aviation degree in 1980.
Likewise, Oldham earned the 9th highest field goal percentage (57%) in a single season in Seattle University history and finished career with 1,530 points (10th on all-time list) and 965 rebounds, only second to Elgin Baylor in scoring, rebounding, and blocked shots.
He was inducted into the Seattle Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame for his remarkable collegiate career.
Additionally, Jawann Oldham won a gold medal as a member US World Games basketball team in the summer of 1979.
Late Jawann Oldham Began His Professional Career With Denver Nuggets of the NBA
After his exceptional collegiate career, Oldham was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the 1980 NBA draft.
He played center for 10 years in the NBA for eight teams. In his NBA career, Oldham played in 329 games and scored a total of 1,455 points, playing for the Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Kalers and Indiana Pacers.
Oldham was the last Bulls player to wear #33 before Scottie Pippen.
Beyond his NBA career, Jawann Oldham also played in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) for the Montana Golden Nuggets during the 1980-81 season, Santa Barbara Islanders during the 1989-90 season, Rapid City Thrillers during the 1990-91 season, Tulsa Zone during the 1991-92 season, Oklahoma City Cavalry during the 1992-93 season and Chicago Rockers during the 1995-96 season.
Furthermore, Oldham was selected to the CBA All-Defensive Team in 1992 and became the CBA blocks leader. He was also an 1980 Olympic gold medalist for Team USA.
Oldham’s post-NBA career also won the hearts of many. He was instrumental in founding the Korean Basketball League in South Korea and the CBA in China in the 1990s.
He also developed and coached for the bj league in Japan and served as head coach and director of the Jawann Oldham Professional Development Basketball Academy in Dubai and Abu Dhabi until his recent passing.
From 2007 until his recent passing, Jawann Oldham served as director and head coach at Olympic Gold Basketball Player Development Training.
Prior to that, he served as head coach of Lycee Georges Pompidou in France, Athletic director and head coach at Canadian University of Dubai, and head coach at OITA Heat Devils in Kumamoto, Japan.
The untimely death of Joawann Oldham has left a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and loved ones.
Many of his loved ones are sharing his memories on social media and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family. One wrote:
“When I first started my Coach G’s Elite Basketball Skills Training I had to reflect on my first trainee Jawann Oldham. I didn’t know I was “training” him at the time, but we spent a lot of time in the gym trying to get his hook shot like Kareem’s, making mid range shots, and free throws. One day we were in the gym at Cleveland high working and legendary Louisville head coach Denny Crum, looking like a movie star, walked in on a recruiting trip to get Jawann and felllow teammate James Woods. That was an incredible moment for both of us as kids.Rest well, Oldham! You touched a lot of lives around the globe and I’m certain many are grateful for your involvement. 💪🏾🙏🏾”
Granville EmersonJawann Oldham’s contribution to the sports community and his kind nature will always be remembered. He is survived by his daughter, Jasmine Grazzette, grandchildren, and the entire family.
His family will soon provide details about Oldham’s funeral and memorial services.
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SuruchiSuruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.
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