Suns players volunteer at community Thanksgiving event
The Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation partnered with St. Vincent de Paul to hold a Thanksgiving event on Nov. 20, 2025.
Rodney Rogers, who played 12 seasons in the NBA, including nearly three seasons with the Phoenix Suns, where he won NBA Sixth Man of the Year, died Nov. 21, according to statements issued by Wake Forest University and the NBA.
He was 54.
Rogers starred in college at Wake Forest from 1990-93 before being drafted 9th overall in the 1993 draft by the Denver Nuggets. The NBA also issued a statement on social media.
The NBA family is deeply saddened by the passing of Rodney Rogers. Rodney earned the Sixth Man of the Year Award while playing for the Phoenix Suns and was a beloved teammate during his 12-year NBA career. He will be remembered not only for his achievements on the court but… pic.twitter.com/BeA3Omdq4L
— NBA (@NBA) November 22, 2025
He played for the Suns for two full seasons, from 1999 through 2001, appearing in all 82 games both seasons. He played 50 games for Phoenix in 2001-02 before being traded to the Boston Celtics.
The forward averaged 13.8 points his first year with the team and was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2000.
Rogers also played for the Clippers, Nets, Pelicans and 76ers.
“Rogers leaves behind a towering legacy as one of the most transformative players in program history and an enduring example of courage, generosity, and Pro Humanitate spirit,” Wake Forest said in its statement confirming his death.
The statement said Rogers is survived by his wife, Faye; and his children, daughter Roddreka, currently an assistant coach with Georgia State women’s basketball and a former Georgia Tech standout (2013–16); son Rodney Rogers II; and daughter Rydeiah, who played basketball at NC State from 2015–19.
A cause of death was not provided.