Chris Fordthe former head coach of the Boston Celtics, died Tuesday at age 74.
After seven seasons and two NBA championships as an assistant coach with Boston, Ford took the reins from 1990 to 1995, guiding the Celtics through four seasons in the playoffs.
As a guard, with his 1.98, Ford played 10 seasons with the Pistons (1972-78) and Celtics (1978-82). He hit the first three-point shot in NBA history on October 12, 1979, and won an NBA title with Boston in 1981.
The Celtics and his family announced his passing Wednesday. “The Ford family is saddened to announce the passing of Chris this January 17, 2023. Chris was loved by his family, friends and teammates. He had a great love for his family, the city of Boston, the fans and the entire Celtics family. He always showed humility and respect for all those who were lucky enough to be part of his life ”.
Affectionately known as ‘Doc’ by his teammates, Ford averaged 9.2 points, 3.4 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 794 career games. He amassed a 323-376 record as coach of the Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks (1996-98), Los Angeles Clippers (1998-2000) and Philadelphia 76ers (2003-04).
Born in Atlantic City, Ford was a star of high school at Holy Spirit before playing college basketball with Villanova from 1969 to 1972. His Wildcats lost to UCLA in the NCAA national championship game. The Pistons selected him in the second round (17th overall) of the 1972 Draft. The NBA established the three-point line for the 1979-80 season. Ford scored his historic 3-pointer (on his only attempt) in Boston’s season-opening 114-107 win against the Houston Rockets.