He made the first 3 pointer in NBA History. He is Chris Ford. Chris Ford has passed away at 74

Rest well Sir…..

Former Boston Celtics player and coach Chris Ford has died at age 74, the team announced Wednesday. Here’s what you need to know:
* Ford won three NBA championships with the franchise, once as a player in 1981 and twice as an assistant coach in 1984 and 1986.
* He served as Boston’s head coach from 1990-95 before coaching stints with the Bucks, Clippers and 76ers.
* Ford is credited with making the first three-pointer in NBA history.
Backstory
The Atlantic City, N.J. native was drafted No. 17 by the Pistons in the 1972 NBA Draft after a standout career at Villanova where he helped lead the Wildcats to the NCAA title game in 1971. He spent the first six-plus seasons of his career with Detroit before being traded to Boston in 1978.

Ford, a versatile all-around guard, made the first three-pointer in NBA history during the Celtics’ 1979 season-opener on Oct. 12 versus the Houston Rockets. As a coach with the Celtics, he led former teammates Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish to multiple playoff appearances in the trio’s final days together and joined Bill Russell, Tom Heinsohn and K.C. Jones in a list of greats that have earned championship rings as both a player and coach with the organization.
What they’re saying
“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 Ford family said in a statement. “He always showed humility and respect for all those that were fortunate enough to be a part of his life.”

RIP Chris Ford

Apparently he had a heart attack earlier in the month.

Still so young…

Very sad. I always liked him. RIP

The only player in the league slower than Larry, but at 6'5" he had height on the guards of his era and would fall off them just enough so he could cut the angle if they drove to the rim but not so far he couldn't lunge forward and contest their shot.

Larry played with Ford, Larry was coached by Ford.

RIP Chris Ford. You won a Championship with the Boston Celtics, as our starting SG. That makes you immortal.


Bob


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Ktron wrote:Rest well Sir…..

...joined Bill Russell, Tom Heinsohn and K.C. Jones in a list of greats that have earned championship rings as both a player and coach with the organization.

That's an illustrious group to join. I hope to see more achieve that honor in the future.

K.C. had a laid back coaching style, Chris was the perfect complement as assistant.

The memories from your years with the C's are fond ones.

RIP