The former Puerto Rican player, considered one of the great sports legends in his country and with an outstanding international career, had gone through various health problems in recent years derived from his illness, which kept him away from public life at various times.
Ortiz, a reference for generations in Caribbean basketball and with time in high-level competitions in Europe – defending the colors of Real Madrid and Barcelona – and the NBA, leaves an important legacy both on and off the court, where he was a symbol of leadership and competitiveness.
His death has generated numerous reactions of regret in the sports field, especially in Puerto Rico, where he is remembered as a key figure in the history of national basketball.
