Carroll Dawson, legendary Rockets assistant coach and GM, dies at 86
Former Houston Rockets assistant coach and normal supervisor Carroll Dawson has died at age 86, the workforce introduced Monday.
The reason for his demise was not disclosed.
Dawson, referred to as “CD,” spent practically three many years with the Rockets from 1980 to 2007, beginning as an assistant coach below Del Harris and dealing with Invoice Fitch, Don Chaney and Rudy Tomjanovich earlier than transitioning to the entrance workplace in 1996. He stays the lone determine in franchise historical past to have served as an assistant throughout every of their 4 NBA Finals runs, most notably through the back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995.
“Whereas CD’s contributions to basketball have been exceptional, it was his character that actually stood out,” the Rockets stated in a press release. “We are going to deeply miss his uplifting spirit, infectious humor, and kind-hearted nature. We’re proud that CD’s legacy will perpetually be honored along with his banner hanging from the rafters of Toyota Middle, alongside our different Rockets legends.”
The Rockets household mourns the lack of beloved former coach and normal supervisor, Carroll Dawson, affectionately referred to as “CD.”
For practically three many years, CD was a cornerstone of our group, instrumental in shaping the careers of stars like Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson.… pic.twitter.com/U0iE3EIET1
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) September 9, 2024
As an assistant, Dawson constructed a fame across the league for growing large males, working intently with Corridor of Famers like Elvin Hayes, Hakeem Olajuwon, Ralph Sampson and Moses Malone. His proficiency in participant growth carried over to his position as normal supervisor, tasked with the day-to-day operating of the Rockets’ scouting division.
Dawson always sought avenues to improve the roster, efficiently pulling off trades for the likes of Scottie Pippen, Charles Barkley, Cuttino Mobley and Tracy McGrady — together with drafting of Yao Ming in 2002. In 2007, Dawson employed Daryl Morey as his successor.
That yr, the Rockets hung a banner with the initials “CD” from the rafters at Toyota Middle to honor Dawson’s work with the franchise.
However Dawson’s impression wasn’t simply restricted to the NBA. He was additionally an instrumental determine within the building of four-time WNBA Champion Houston Comets, which nonetheless stands as probably the most profitable WNBA franchise of all time. As govt vp of the group, Dawson performed a monumental position in signing WNBA legends Tina Thompson, Cynthia Cooper and Sheryl Swoopes together with the hiring of coach Van Chancellor.
“I’m fortunate to have the possibility to get to know and work with (Dawson),” Rockets normal supervisor Rafael Stone informed The Athletic in a press release. “He’s a Houston Rockets legend and somebody I discovered rather a lot from, significantly his means to make use of humor to make his level and join with individuals. That’s a timeless high quality that not many individuals possess and it was cool to get the possibility to watch.”
(Picture of Dawson on the 2006 NBA Draft Lottery: Jennifer Pottheiser / NBAE by way of Getty Photographs)
