In their first year in Cincinnati, the Royals ended a two-year playoff drought by finishing in third place after tie-breakers in the NBA's West Division.
The team had the makings of a real contender, but the backcourt was debilitated by injuries to Marhsall and King, plus promising Si Green and Johnny McCarthy had been lost to mandatory military service.
On the flight home after losing to the Pistons, Stokes suddenly fell ill and was rushed to the hospital upon landing.
It was revealed that Stokes suffered encephalopathy, a traumatic brain injury that damaged his motor control center.
The Royals then tried to shore up their backcourt with selections Dick Duckett (2), Gerry Paulson (3), John Maglio (6) and Chet Forte (7).
As the season ended, local stars Oscar Robertson and Jerry Lucas were tabbed as territorial draft picks.