Longtime Celtics Coach and NBA Champion Chris Ford Dead at 74

Chris Ford, a long-time Celtics coach and also won the 1981 NBA Championship in Boston as a participant, has passed away Tuesday, the team announced.

The Press of Athletic City reported After suffering a heart attack, Ford passed away Tuesday in Philadelphia.

“Chris was beloved 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,” The family released a statement by the Celtics. “He always showed humility and respect for all those that were fortunate enough to be a part of his life.”

Ford, who was also credited with scoring the NBA’s first 3-point basket, was a Celtics assistant from 1983-1990 under K.C. Jones, who helped the Larry Bird-led team to the world championship in 1986 and 1984. He played in 11 seasons of the NBA, seven for the Detroit Pistons and four for Boston. He averaged 9.2 and 3.4 assists per season. Ford, one of four ex-Celtics to win a ring as a player and coach, was voted Boston’s team MVP in 1978-79 before retiring from playing after the 1981-82 campaign.

He finally became the Celtics’ head coach from 1990-95, posting five wining seasons, four playoff appearances and a 222-188 record. Atlantic City native, who was drafted by Villanova in 1972 by the Pistons, also served as head coach with the Bucks and Clippers.

“As a player and coach, Chris Ford’s career spanned over a decade of Celtics basketball, and he made his mark every step of the way,” The Celtics released a statement. “‘Doc,’ as he was affectionately known by his teammates, was a fundamentally versatile all-around guard. … The Boston Celtics sends their deepest sympathies to the Ford family and their many friends.”

— with AP

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