New York, May 14 (Bloomberg) -- Dave DeBusschere, a Hall-of- Famer who won two National Basketball Association championships with the New York Knicks, died at the age of 62, the team said.

The Knicks didn't immediately release details.

DeBusschere, who in 1996 was named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history, was known as ``Big D'' for his defensive play. He was a six-time NBA All-Defensive first team selection.

The Knicks won championships in 1970 and 1973.

DeBusschere also worked as general manager of the Knicks from 1982-86. He represented the club at the draft lottery in 1985, when New York won the No. 1 pick and selected Patrick Ewing. His reaction at getting the top pick is still shown during the lottery.

The Detroit Pistons selected DeBusschere in the 1962 draft from the University of Detroit. He was traded to the Knicks in 1968 for fellow Hall-of-Famer Walt Bellamy and Howard Komives.

He also served as commissioner of the American Basketball Association from 1975-76.

In addition, DeBusschere pitched for Major League Baseball's Chicago White Sox in 1962 and 1963.

Last Updated: May 14, 2003 14:29 EDT