Toronto Assistant Albeck Suffers Stroke

Assistant Stan Albeck suffered a stroke Sunday about 30 minutes before the Toronto Raptors played the Miami Heat.

Albeck, 70, turned red and couldn’t talk as the Raptors were about to start a pregame meeting.

“He did have a stroke,” Toronto Coach Lenny Wilkens said. “He’s being evaluated at the hospital right now.”

Wilkens had no further information, and a team spokesman said nothing more about Albeck’s condition may be known until today.

Vince Carter and his teammates witnessed Albeck’s stroke.

“He sat over at Eric Montross’ locker and he just didn’t look well,” Carter said. “He was turning red. He wasn’t talking. He was just sitting there. Some of the guys were making sure he was OK, and half the guys were running in either direction looking for the doctor.”

Albeck coached Cleveland (1979-80), San Antonio (1980-83), New Jersey (1983-85) and Chicago (1985-86). He had a 307-265 record.

He is in his second season as Wilkens’ top assistant. Albeck was Wilkens’ No. 1 assistant for four seasons with the Atlanta Hawks (1996-2000).

The Raptors won Sunday’s game, 83-76.

“It was hard to focus out there,” Morris Peterson said. “We’re praying for Stan. He is a big part of this team. He’s always smiling and joking around. I look forward to coming to practice because you know he’s going to say something funny.”