Image Source: The Boston Globe
Larry Bird offers his reflections on the sudden demise of former Celtics coach and NBA Champion Chris Ford
Chris Ford was honored as an “essential element” of the Celtics organization by NBA star Larry Bird when his death became publicly recognized. 66-year-old Bird said in a statement, “Chris was such an important part of our success, as a teammate, Coach and friend. My thoughts and condolences are with the Ford family.”
Chris Ford, a former NBA player and coach for the Boston Celtics, passed away at the age of 74. On Wednesday, Ford’s family made the announcement that he had passed away the day before.
They stated the following in a statement posted on the NBA website, “The Ford family is sad to announce the passing of Chris on January 17, 2023. 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. He always showed humility and respect for all those that were fortunate enough to be a part of his life.”
The Celtics shared a Twitter thread detailing Ford’s sporting career and relationship with the organisation after his family released a statement, saying that his players referred to him as “Doc” and that his career lasted “almost a decade of Celtics basketball.”
He started his NBA career in 1972 as a guard with the Detroit Pistons before joining the “exclusive club of Celtics’ staff who have earned championship rings as both a player and coach with the franchise.”
In the first quarter of Boston’s victory over the Houston Rockets on October 12, 1979, after being traded to the Celtics during the 1978–1979 season, he reportedly made the first three-point shot in NBA history.
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