Carroll Dawson, who dedicated nearly 30 years to the Houston Rockets as an assistant coach and general manager, has passed away at the age of 86, the team announced on Monday.
No further details about his death were provided. The Rockets expressed their sorrow, stating, “The Rockets family grieves the loss of our cherished former coach and general manager, Carroll Dawson, lovingly known as ‘CD.'”
Dawson served as an assistant coach with Houston from 1980 to 1997, and the team had a record of 461-409 with six playoff appearances during his time as general manager from 1996 to 2007. “For nearly three decades, CD was a key figure in our organization, playing a crucial role in the development of stars like Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson.
As a proud Texan, he was the only coach to be present for all four of Houston’s NBA Finals appearances, including the back-to-back championship teams. As general manager, he brought legendary players such as Charles Barkley, Steve Francis, Yao Ming, and Tracy McGrady to Houston, and also built the four-time WNBA champion Houston Comets,” the team added. Dawson also served as head coach at his alma mater Baylor from 1973 to 1977, with a record of 44-51.
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