Former Rockets assistant coach and common supervisor Carroll Dawson died on Monday on the age of 86, the crew introduced in an announcement mourning his loss (Twitter hyperlink).
Dawson, who joined the Rockets as an assistant coach in 1980 beneath Del Harris, remained on the employees beneath Invoice Fitch and Don Chaney, then helped persuade Rudy Tomjanovich to grow to be Houston’s head coach in 1992, writes Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle (subscription required).
Well being points, together with imaginative and prescient loss associated to being struck by lightning in 1989, ultimately necessitated a transfer away from the sidelines for Dawson, who was named the Rockets’ common supervisor in 1996. His most notable strikes in that function included drafting Yao Ming in 2002 and buying and selling for Tracy McGrady in 2004. He was ultimately succeeded by Daryl Morey in 2007 after spending 27 seasons with the franchise.
As Feigen particulars, Dawson’s impression on the Rockets was so vital {that a} jersey bearing his initials (“CD”) hangs within the rafters of the Toyota Middle alongside the crew’s retired numbers.
“For almost three many years, CD was a cornerstone of our group, instrumental in shaping the careers of stars like Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson,” the Rockets stated of their assertion asserting his passing. “A proud Texas native, CD served as the one coach to be current for all 4 of Houston’s NBA Finals appearances, together with the back-to-back championship groups.
“As common supervisor, he introduced iconic abilities to Houston together with Charles Barkley, Steve Francis, Yao Ming, and Tracy McGrady, whereas additionally assembling the four-time WNBA champion Houston Comets.
“Whereas CD’s contributions to basketball have been outstanding, it was his character that really stood out. We’ll deeply miss his uplifting spirit, infectious humor, and kind-hearted nature. We’re proud that CD’s legacy will without end be honored together with his banner hanging from the rafters of Toyota Middle, alongside our different Rockets legends.”
We at Hoops Rumors ship our condolences to Dawson’s household and pals.
