Chris Ford, Former Boston Celtics Basketball Coach and Player, Dies at 74.
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Former Boston Celtics Chris Ford, coach and NBA basketball player, has died. He was 74.
Ford’s family announced his death on Wednesday, noting that he had just died.
They released a statement on the NBA’s website saying: “The Ford family is sorry to announce the death of Chris on January 17, 2023. Chris was loved by his family, friends and teammates. He loved his family, Boston, his fans and the whole Celtics family. He showed humility and respect to all those who were lucky enough to be a part his life.”
Although there was no cause of death, The Press of Atlantic City reported Ford suffered a heart attack This was earlier in the month.
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The Celtics mourn Ford’s death after Ford’s family released a statement. sharing a Twitter thread His sports history and sports legacy were described by the team. He was also noted as being affectionately called Doc by his teammates and enjoyed a career that included “over a decade” of Celtics basketball.
“Ford became the eleventh head coach of the team, leading his former colleagues. Larry Bird“Robert Parish, Kevin McHale and Kevin McHale to multiple playoff appearances during the trio’s last days together,” read the post.
Before he was part of the “elite team of Celtics’ personnel that have earned championship rings both as a player or coach with the organization”, he began his NBA career As a guard for Detroit Pistons 1972
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According to the Detroit Free Press, after being traded to the Celtics In the first quarter of Boston’s win over the Celtics in 1978-79, he made the first three-pointer in NBA history. Houston Rockets on October 12, 1979.
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He was named the team’s MVP that season and was made a member of three NBA World Championship Boston Celtics teams — one as a key player on the 1981 team and subsequently as an assistant coach for the 1984 and 1986 champs.
After the news of his passing became public, Ford was remembered By a legend of the NBA Larry Bird As an “important part of” the Celtics organization.
“Chris was a great friend, coach, and teammate. Bird, 66, released a statement saying that his thoughts and condolences were with the Ford family.