Chris Ford, a longtime NBA coach, a member of the 1981 Boston Celtics championship team, and the man credited with making the league’s first 3-point basket passed away, his family confirmed on Wednesday. He was 74.
The death was made public by the family via the Celts. Ford passed away on Tuesday, although the cause of death was not disclosed. According to The Press of Atlantic City, he passed away in Philadelphia after having a heart attack earlier this month.
Chris was cherished by his family, friends, and teammates. According to the family statement, he had a deep love for his family, Boston, the city’s residents, the supporters, and the entire Celtics clan. He always acted with humility and respect toward everyone who had the good fortune to be a part of his life.
Ford’s first year with Boston ended with him being named the team’s MVP. After the 1981–82 season, he announced his retirement. From 1983 through 1990, he worked as the Celtics’ assistant coach for seven seasons, helping K.C. Jones led former colleagues Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish to two championships in 1984 and 1986.
Along with Bill Russell, Tom Heinsohn, and Jones, he is one of only four former Celtics who have won championships in their playing and coaching careers.
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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.
Ford, a Villanova player born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, reached the 1970 NCAA Elite Eight and the 1971 Final Four. His 238 assists in 1970–71 remain the school record for a single season, and he scored 1,433 points for the Wildcats throughout three seasons.
According to former Villanova coach Jay Wright, Ford’s “boyhood idol” was featured in a Twitter post with a picture of Ford wearing a Wildcats uniform.
The post recommends a creative, talented, and challenging (Villanova) guard. “When I knew him as a terrific man, a devoted friend, and a passionate (Villanova) alum, he was more of an idol. The VU community adores Chris. I shall miss talking to you.
In 1972, the Detroit Pistons selected Ford. Before being moved to the Celtics, he played there for six seasons. With his debut season in Boston, 1978–1979, he averaged a career-high 15.6 points and 4.7 assists per contest. On October 12, 1979, he began the next season by making the first 3-pointer in NBA history during Boston’s victory over the Houston Rockets in the opening frame.
In Jimmy Rodgers’ place, Ford coached the Celtics for five seasons, from 1990–1991 to 1994–1995; he was Jimmy Rodgers’ replacement.
As Boston’s head coach, he had a 222-188 record and four playoff appearances, although his teams never moved past the conference finals.
Ford previously served as head coach for the Milwaukee Bucks (1996–98) and Los Angeles Clippers for two years each (1998-2000). After Randy Ayers was sacked from the Philadelphia 76ers, he took over as head coach for the remaining 30 games of the 2003–04 season.
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