Former Houston Rockets assistant coach and basic supervisor Carroll Dawson has died at age 86, the group introduced Monday.
The reason for his demise was not disclosed.
Dawson, referred to as “CD,” spent practically three a long time with the Rockets from 1980 to 2007, beginning as an assistant coach underneath 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 ceaselessly 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 basic supervisor, Carroll Dawson, affectionately referred to as “CD.”
For practically three a long time, 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 huge males, working carefully with Corridor of Famers like Elvin Hayes, Hakeem Olajuwon, Ralph Sampson and Moses Malone. His proficiency in participant improvement carried over to his position as basic supervisor, tasked with the day-to-day operating of the Rockets’ scouting division.
Dawson continuously 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 influence wasn’t simply restricted to the NBA. He was additionally an instrumental determine within the development of four-time WNBA Champion Houston Comets, which nonetheless stands as probably the most profitable WNBA franchise of all time. As government 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 prospect to get to know and work with (Dawson),” Rockets basic supervisor Rafael Stone advised The Athletic in a press release. “He’s a Houston Rockets legend and somebody I realized loads from, significantly his capacity 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 prospect to look at.”
(Photograph of Dawson on the 2006 NBA Draft Lottery: Jennifer Pottheiser / NBAE through Getty Photos)
