Chris Ford, Celtics Coach, and NBA Champion, Died at 74: The Boston Celtics reported that Chris Ford, a longtime coach and former player who helped Boston win the 1981 NBA Championship, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 74. Ford passed away on Tuesday in Philadelphia after having a heart attack, according to The Press of Athletic City.
“His family, friends, and teammates all adored Chris. In a statement issued by the Celtics, the family claimed that he had a deep affection for his family, the city of Boston, the supporters, and the entire Celtics family. He always acted with humility and respect toward everyone who had the good fortune to be a part of his life.
Ford, also credited with making the first 3-point basket in the history of the NBA, worked as K.C. Jones’ assistant with the Boston Celtics from 1983 to 1990, helping the Larry Bird-led club win two championships in 1984 and 1986.
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He spent four seasons with Boston and seven with the Detroit Pistons during his 11-year NBA career, averaging 9.2 points and 3.4 assists per game. Before quitting playing after the 1981–82 season, Ford, one of four ex–Celtics to win a ring as both a player and a coach, was chosen as Boston’s team MVP in 1978–79.
On April 12, 1980, in Boston,, during an NBA basketball playoff game, Chris Ford of the Celtics defends against Mike Dunleavy (10) of the Houston Rockets. From 1990 to 1995, he was the Celtics’ head coach, leading them to five winning seasons, four postseason berths, and a 222-188 record.
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The native of Atlantic City, who the Pistons selected in the 1972 NBA Draft out of Villanova, later served as head coach of the Bucks and Clippers. The Celtics released a statement in which they noted that Chris Ford’s career “spanned over a decade of Celtics basketball, and he left his imprint every step of the way.”
“Doc,” as his teammates affectionately knew him, was an all-around guard with solid fundamentals. The Boston Celtics sent the Ford family and their numerous friends their sincere condolences.