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Don Chaney
Don Chaney
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Donald Ray Chaney (born March 22, 1946) is an American former professional basketball player and coach, most notable for winning two championships as a player on the Boston Celtics, and winning NBA Coach of the Year while leading the Houston Rockets.

Key Information

Early life

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Donald Ray Chaney was born on March 22, 1946, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He attended McKinley High School where he excelled in basketball.

College career

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While at Houston, #24 Chaney blocks a shot against UCLA in the 1968 Game of the Century at the Astrodome

Chaney played basketball in college for the University of Houston, where he was a teammate of future Basketball Hall-of-Famer Elvin Hayes. Chaney played all 40 minutes of the famed "Game of the Century" at the Astrodome.

Professional career

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Boston Celtics (1968–1975)

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In that year's 1968 NBA draft, Chaney became the first-round pick (12th overall) of the Boston Celtics; he was also drafted by the Houston Mavericks of the American Basketball Association.

Chaney became a champion with the Boston Celtics during his rookie year, in 1969. On February 28, 1973, Chaney set a career high in points score with 32, in a win over the Golden State Warriors.[1] He would also help the Celtics toward winning the 1974 NBA Finals.

Spirits of St. Louis (1975–1976)

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Chaney played in the ABA for one year with the Spirits of St. Louis from 1975 to 1976 due to the money offered. He suffered a torn knee early in the year and later called the experience playing in St. Louis "a lost season for me."[2]

Los Angeles Lakers (1976–1977)

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Chaney had a short two season stint with the Los Angeles Lakers from 1976 to 1977. Chaney was widely known for his defensive skills, appearing on NBA all-defensive teams five times during his career. He was also known for providing notable numbers in minutes off the bench.

Return to the Boston Celtics (1977–1980)

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Chaney returned to the Boston Celtics in 1977. Chaney is the only Boston Celtic who played with both Bill Russell (19561969) and Larry Bird (19791992).

Coaching career

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After his playing career ended, Chaney became an assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons in 1980.

Los Angeles Clippers (1984–1987)

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On March 13, 1985, Chaney was hired by the Los Angeles Clippers, replacing Jim Lynam with 21 games left in the 1984–85 season. It was noted at the time that he was just the twelfth African American head coach in the NBA (of the twelve, ten were former players, and five had played for the Celtics).[3] Chaney went 9–12 to lead the team to an ultimate finish of 31-51 and a tie for fourth place in the Pacific Division, which actually was their best finish since 1978. The 1985 season would be the first with Chaney as head coach for a full season, which saw them draft Benoit Benjamin as the third pick that year. Chaney believed that Benjamin could eventually become a "better offensive player than Ewing".[4] The team, composed of veteran players and fresh rookies, went 32–50. In a Western Conference with eight playoff spots for twelve teams, the Clippers finished three games short of a playoff spot. In 1986, Chaney nearly came to blows with Benjamin. During a pregame shoot-around, Benjamin showed up late and then sat on the side of the court rather than participate in practice. Chaney called Benjamin and stated that if he was one of his teammates and say he would kick him in the behind before deciding that he probably should kick him right now, although the crowd around Chaney helped calm him down.[5]

His second full season was a disaster. Wracked with injuries, the Clippers had a 12-game losing streak in the first eighteen games of the season and did not reach ten wins until the 54th game of the season. They closed the season out on a 14-game losing streak to finish 12–70, which at the time made them the holder of the second-worst record for a season in NBA history.[6] On April 22, 1987, he was fired to be replaced by Gene Shue.[7][8]

Houston Rockets (1988–1992)

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On June 13, 1988, Chaney was hired by the Houston Rockets as head coach to replace Bill Fitch, who had been fired one week ago.[9] The Rockets had made the postseason the past four seasons but hadn't made it past the second round since 1987. In his first season, the Rockets went 45-37 and finished 5th in the Western Conference. They met the Seattle Supersonics in the First round but lost in four games. The next year saw them finish 41-41 and finish as the eight seed in the West and a four-game loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round. The third season under Chaney was a tough battle. The Rockets played at .500 ball for the first half of the season but found themselves in a bind when Hakeem Olajuwon suffered a bone fracture in his right eye in January 1991 that saw him miss 25 games. By the All-Star Game break, the Rockets were 27–21. However, a tremendous March carried them mightily, as they lost only once in 15 games that month before they finished with 52 wins, the first time they had won 50 games since 1986. They finished 5th in the conference and met the Lakers in the first round. The three games were decided by point margins of two, eleven, and four, but the Lakers won each of the games to sweep the Rockets. For his efforts, Chaney was awarded the NBA Coach of the Year Award, the second Rocket to win the award.[10]

The next season was tumultuous. They had a hot start to get the year going, winning nine of their first twelve games, but it was followed by five straight losses. At the All-Star Break, they were 25–22.[11] On February 12, 1992, Chaney was fired with the team at 26-26. The firing came one day after a loss by the Rockets to the Minnesota Timberwolves (who had nine wins prior to the game) in overtime, in which the Rockets had led by 24 points in the third quarter and days earlier lost a game where they had led by ten points. Chaney was 164–134 as coach of the Rockets, with a .561 winning percentage that was the best in team history to that point.[12] Owner Charlie Thomas did not put blame on Chaney, stating, "You can`t fire the team and something had to be done. Once you see that things are deteriorating, you have to do something." Assistant head coach Rudy Tomjanovich was named interim head coach.

Detroit Pistons (1993–1995)

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On May 4, 1993, Chaney was hired to coach the Detroit Pistons.[13] The Pistons had just experienced a season of turmoil under Ron Rothstein, who led the team to their first non playoff season since 1983, and Chaney (who had served as assistant coach under Rothstein that year) pledged to be a great communicator. Composed of aging superstars such as Isiah Thomas and Bill Laimbeer to go with new acquisitions such as Sean Elliott and draft pick Lindsey Hunter, the Pistons struggled after a 5–4 start. A practice scuffle between Thomas and Laimbeer saw a broken hand for Thomas and led Laimbeer to retire. A 14-game losing streak saw the team with eleven wins at the All-Star break.[14] By the end of a 13-game losing streak to end the year, the Pistons had won just 20 games to finish with their worst record since 1980. Thomas retired after the season due to an Achilles tendon rupture.

The following season would be the last one for Chaney. In a new era without Laimbeer and Thomas, the Pistons drafted Grant Hill and retooled their lineup. While Hill would shine as an All-Star pick, the Pistons crumbled by the midpoint of the year, with a 1–13 run at one point that saw Hunter hurt before the Pistons season came to a merciful end that saw them go 1–8 to end a year with 28 wins. On April 11, 1995, Chaney was fired, with Doug Collins replacing him.[15]

New York Knicks (2001–2004)

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In the 2001–02 season, Chaney was serving as assistant head coach for the New York Knicks under Jeff Van Gundy. On December 10, 2001, Chaney became head coach of the Knicks to replace Van Gundy, who cited a "diminished focus" as a reason for resigning after 19 games. Noting the demands of owner James L. Dolan, Chaney stated that his goals were to win and make the playoffs. Contemporary reports stated that Dolan was hoping for a coach that would not only make a quality postseason run but also have a media-friendly coach, and Chaney was perceived as potentially cultivating a more relaxed atmosphere.[16] The team went 20–43 under Chaney as head coach and finished the season 30–52, 18 more losses than in the previous campaign, and missed the playoffs for the first time in 15 years. Chaney was retained for the next season.

The following season saw the Knicks hope that first-round draft pick Antonio McDyess would help improve the team's fortunes, but a knee injury saw him miss the whole season. As such, with a lineup including Allan Houston, the Knicks started the year 2–10 and never recovered to make a serious run at a playoff berth, finishing with a 37–45 record, five games out of the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. In December 2003, James Dolan hired Isiah Thomas as Knicks president of basketball operations and emphasized the need for the team to make the playoffs. Not long after, the Knicks traded for Stephon Marbury, a point guard they hoped would improve their 10th place standing in the Eastern Conference 38 games into the season with the NBA's highest payroll. During a January 8 game at Madison Square Garden, Knicks fans chanted "Fire Chaney!" during a loss. Thomas, noting the players' confidence in Chaney, stated that his job is to "sit back and evaluate and see where that process is going."[17] On January 14, Chaney was fired, two hours before a game was to start. He went 72–112 (.391) as Knicks head coach, the fourth worst head coaching record in team history.[18] The following year, Chaney stated that he regretted not getting a true opportunity to coach the team with Marbury, a quality point guard who was traded to New York only nine days before Chaney was fired.[19] Chaney was offered a position as an assistant to Paul Silas with the Cleveland Cavaliers, which he declined, hoping to find a head coaching position elsewhere. Chaney retired in 2004.

Personal life

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Chaney was known for partaking in "daredevil"-esque stunts, including skydiving and racecar driving, during his coaching career.[20]

In 2019, he was diagnosed with transthyretim amyloid cardiomyopathy, a lethal disease that disproportionately impacts African Americans. He had assumed that his symptoms of fatigue, palpitations, shortness of breath, and swollen ankles were from his playing days; but he learned that they were similar to the symptoms members of his family had experienced before their deaths from heart disease. While the disease was hereditary, his sisters and daughters tested negative for it. His wife, Jackie Chaney, served as his primary caregiver to help manage his condition.[21]

Career playing statistics

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Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high
 †  Won an NBA championship  *  Led the league

NBA/ABA

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Source[22]

Regular season

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
1968–69 Boston 20 10.5 .319 .400 2.3 1.0 4.0
1969–70 Boston 63 13.3 .359 .752 2.4 1.1 5.0
1970–71 Boston 81 28.3 .454 .748 5.7 2.9 11.5
1971–72 Boston 79 28.8 .475 .773 5.0 2.6 11.9
1972–73 Boston 79 31.5 .482 .787 5.7 2.8 13.1
1973–74 Boston 81 27.9 .464 .828 4.7 2.2 1.0 .8 10.4
1974–75 Boston 82 26.9 .428 .806 4.5 2.2 1.5 .8 9.5
1975–76 St. Louis (ABA) 48 30.7 .418 .250 .780 4.9 3.5 1.4 .8 9.3
1976–77 L.A. Lakers 81 29.7 .408 .745 4.1 3.8 1.7 .4 6.1
1977–78 L.A. Lakers 9 14.8 .361 .833 1.2 1.9 .9 .3 3.4
1977–78 Boston 42 16.7 .391 .846 2.5 1.2 .9 .2 5.1
1978–79 Boston 65 16.5 .420 .857 2.2 1.2 1.1 .2 5.9
1979–80 Boston 60 0 8.7 .354 .167 .762 1.2 .6 .5 .2 2.8
Career (NBA) 742 0 23.5 .438 .167 .776 3.9 2.1 1.2 .5 8.4
Career (overall) 790 0 23.9 .436 .200 .776 4.0 2.2 1.2 .5 8.4

Playoffs

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Year Team GP MPG FG% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
1969 Boston 7 3.6 .167 .750 .6 .0 .7
1972 Boston 11 24.6 .506 .750 3.5 2.0 8.8
1973 Boston 12 24.0 .476 .706 3.3 2.1 7.5
1974 Boston 18* 30.3 .461 .820 4.3 2.2 1.3 .5 9.5
1975 Boston 11 26.7 .457 .793 3.5 1.9 1.9 .5 10.8
1977 L.A. Lakers 11 37.5 .375 .727 4.7 4.4 1.9 .3 8.0
Career 70 26.2 .450 .775 3.6 2.2 1.7 .4 8.1

Head coaching record

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Legend
Regular season G Games coached W Games won L Games lost W–L % Win–loss %
Playoffs PG Playoff games PW Playoff wins PL Playoff losses PW–L % Playoff win–loss %
Team Year G W L W–L% Finish PG PW PL PW–L% Result
L.A. Clippers 1984–85 21 9 12 .429 5th in Pacific Missed playoffs
L.A. Clippers 1985–86 82 32 50 .390 4th in Pacific Missed playoffs
L.A. Clippers 1986–87 82 12 70 .146 6th in Pacific Missed playoffs
Houston 1988–89 82 45 37 .549 2nd in Midwest 4 1 3 .250 Lost in First round
Houston 1989–90 82 41 41 .500 5th in Midwest 4 1 3 .250 Lost in First round
Houston 1990–91 82 52 30 .634 3rd in Midwest 3 0 3 .000 Lost in First round
Houston 1991–92 52 26 26 .500 (fired)
Detroit 1993–94 82 20 62 .244 7th in Central Missed playoffs
Detroit 1994–95 82 28 54 .341 7th in Central Missed playoffs
New York 2001–02 63 20 43 .317 7th in Atlantic Missed playoffs
New York 2002–03 82 37 45 .451 6th in Atlantic Missed playoffs
New York 2003–04 39 15 24 .385 (fired)
Career 831 337 494 .406 11 2 9 .182

Awards

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Donald Ray Chaney (born March 22, 1946) is an American former professional basketball player and coach in the (NBA), best known for his defensive tenacity during a 13-season playing career primarily with the and for earning NBA Coach of the Year honors in 1991 with the . A two-time NBA champion as a player (1969, 1974), Chaney was selected to five All-Defensive Second Teams and averaged 8.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game across 790 regular-season appearances. His coaching tenure spanned over a decade as a for four franchises, compiling a 337–494 regular-season record, with his pinnacle achievement leading the Rockets to a league-best 52–30 mark in the 1990–91 season. Born in , Chaney attended McKinley High School before starring at the , where he helped the Cougars reach the 1967 NCAA and tallied 1,133 points, 475 rebounds, and 204 assists over his college career. Selected 12th overall in the first round of the by the Celtics out of , he quickly established himself as a key reserve guard, contributing to the team's championship runs in his rookie (1968–69) and 1973–74 seasons while earning All-Defensive recognition from 1972 to 1975 and again in 1977. After departing in 1975, Chaney played one season in the with the (1975–76), then joined the for two years (1976–78) before returning to the Celtics to close out his playing days from 1977 to 1980. Transitioning to coaching in 1980, Chaney served as an assistant with the Detroit Pistons, San Diego Clippers, and Atlanta Hawks before taking over as head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers in 1984, where he coached through the 1986–87 season with a 133–151 record. He then guided the Houston Rockets from 1988 to 1992, achieving playoff appearances in 1989 and 1990, and culminating in his Coach of the Year award for the 1990–91 campaign after the team won the Midwest Division and finished with the NBA's top regular-season record. Later stints included head coaching the Detroit Pistons (1993–95, 48–116 record) and the New York Knicks (2001–04, 72–112 record). Throughout his post-playing contributions, Chaney was inducted into the University of Houston Athletics Hall of Honor in 1981 and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2005.

Early Life and College Career

Early Life

Donald Ray Chaney was born on March 22, 1946, in . He grew up in a family of two boys and two girls, raised solely by his mother, Gladys Chaney, after his father deserted them when Don was in the first grade. Gladys worked multiple jobs, including as a secretary at and a clerk at Baton Rouge General Hospital, while also taking in laundry to support the household. As a , Chaney initially aspired to play football as a , but his mother intervened after witnessing a friend lose teeth in a game, steering him toward instead—a decision that profoundly shaped his path. This early exposure to sports occurred amid his formative years in Baton Rouge, where Gladys emphasized perseverance and opportunity despite hardships. Chaney's childhood unfolded in a segregated Southern environment, in an all-Black neighborhood marked by racial prejudice; at age 12, for instance, he endured a traumatic encounter with a policeman who held a gun to his head while using a racial slur. He later attended McKinley High School in Baton Rouge, where he was selected as a Parade Magazine and Scholastic Magazine All-American, entering a phase that would build on these early influences.

College Career

Don Chaney enrolled at the in 1964 and played for the Cougars men's basketball team from 1965 to 1968, adhering to the NCAA's freshman ineligibility rule that prevented him from competing during the 1964–65 season. Alongside , whom he joined as one of the first African American athletes recruited to the program by coach , Chaney helped pioneer the integration of in the South, breaking racial barriers at a time when segregated athletics were prevalent in the region. Their arrival marked a transformative moment for the , enabling the team to compete at a national level while challenging longstanding social norms in Southern intercollegiate sports. Over his three varsity seasons, Chaney accumulated 1,133 points, 475 rebounds, and 204 assists, contributing to a highly successful Cougars squad that compiled an 81–12 overall record. The team advanced to the NCAA Tournament three times during his tenure, reaching the Midwest Regional third-place game in 1966 after a semifinal loss to , and making consecutive appearances in 1967 and 1968. As a senior in the 1967–68 season, Chaney earned second-team All-American honors, recognizing his defensive prowess and versatility as a 6-foot-5 guard who anchored the backcourt for the top-ranked Cougars, who finished 31–2. A defining moment in Chaney's came on January 20, 1968, in the "Game of the Century" against UCLA at the Houston Astrodome, the first nationally televised regular-season game, which drew a record 52,693 spectators. The No. 2-ranked Cougars upset the No. 1-ranked Bruins 71–69, ending UCLA's 47-game winning streak in a tense battle highlighted by ' 39 points against an injured Lew Alcindor. Chaney played all 40 minutes, scoring 11 points on 5-of-12 field goals and 1-of-3 free throws while grabbing 6 rebounds and providing 2 assists; his relentless defense, including key stops in the closing moments, helped secure the and elevated the visibility of nationwide. Chaney's standout college performance led to his selection in the , where the chose him in the first round with the 12th overall pick.

Professional Playing Career

Boston Celtics (1968–1975)

Don Chaney joined the Boston Celtics as a first-round draft pick (12th overall) in the , marking the beginning of his professional career under head coach in his final season. As a during the 1968–69 season, Chaney appeared in just 20 games, averaging 4.0 points and 2.3 rebounds per game while adjusting to the NBA's physicality and pace; his limited role emphasized defensive contributions on a veteran-laden team led by Russell's emphasis on team defense. Despite his modest regular-season minutes, Chaney was part of the Celtics' roster for the , where Boston defeated the in seven games to secure the ; his defensive presence helped contain perimeter threats, contributing to the team's gritty, low-scoring victory in 7. From the –70 onward, Chaney secured a consistent starting role at shooting guard, earning the nickname "" for his exceptional 82-inch and relentless defensive tenacity that allowed him to disrupt opponents' plays effectively. He was selected to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team four times during this period (1972, 1973, 1974, and 1975), recognizing his prowess as a lockdown defender who prioritized steals and perimeter containment over scoring. Chaney's defensive reliability anchored the backcourt alongside emerging stars like and center , helping the Celtics reclaim the NBA Championship in against the ; in the Finals, his efforts in guarding guards like complemented Cowens' rebounding and White's scoring, enabling Boston's balanced attack to prevail in seven games. During this stint, Chaney reached some of his highest statistical outputs, including averages of 13.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game in the 1972–73 season, showcasing his growing all-around impact while maintaining a focus on defense. In 1975, amid increased depth at the guard position with players like White and Charlie Scott, Chaney departed the Celtics to join the ABA's for greater playing opportunities.

Spirits of St. Louis (1975–1976)

In September 1974, Don Chaney, then a guard for the , signed a three-year contract with the American Basketball Association's , set to begin with the 1975–76 season; he had been placed under suspension by the Celtics for failing to report to . Despite the initial suspension, Chaney was reinstated and played all 82 games for the Celtics in the 1974-75 season before joining the Spirits. This move came after seven seasons with Boston, where Chaney had established himself as a defensive specialist, and was motivated by the financial incentives offered by the ABA amid growing competition between the leagues. Joining the Spirits as a leader, Chaney provided stability to a roster featuring emerging talents like and , though he adapted to the ABA's more unpredictable and fast-paced style following his structured NBA experience. In 48 games during the 1975–76 season, he averaged 30.7 minutes, 9.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 41.8% from the field, contributing defensively in a league that emphasized transition play and tracked steals and blocks more prominently than the NBA at the time. His role focused on perimeter defense and rebounding, helping to mentor younger players on a team hampered by injuries and coaching changes, including midseason shifts from to Joe Mullaney. The Spirits finished the regular season with a 35–49 record, placing sixth in the ABA's seven-team Eastern Division and missing the despite a late push for a postseason spot. This stint occurred against the backdrop of the impending announced in 1976, which absorbed four ABA teams but excluded the financially strained Spirits, leading to the franchise's dissolution; for Chaney, the move represented a brief detour driven by economic opportunities in the rival league before his return to the NBA.

Los Angeles Lakers (1976–1978)

Following the 1976 ABA-NBA merger, Don Chaney signed a multi-year contract as a with the on September 16, 1976, transitioning from his previous season with the in the ABA. In his role as a shooting guard behind starters like and , Chaney provided defensive depth and versatility off the bench during the 1976–77 season. He appeared in 81 games, averaging 29.7 minutes per game, 6.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, while shooting 40.8% from the field. Chaney's defensive prowess, honed from four prior NBA All-Defensive Second Team selections with the , proved valuable in , where he often drew assignments against opposing guards and wings to disrupt scoring threats. His efforts contributed to his fifth All-Defensive Second Team honor in 1977, recognizing his ability to guard multiple positions effectively despite a reduced offensive role compared to his earlier career. In the playoffs, Chaney elevated his play, appearing in all 11 games as the Lakers advanced through the Western Conference, averaging 37.5 minutes, 8.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. The Lakers finished the regular season with a strong 53–29 record, securing second place in the Pacific Division and home-court advantage in the postseason. They swept the 2–0 in the first round, defeated the 4–2 in the conference semifinals, but were swept 0–4 by the in the Western Conference Finals, ending their championship aspirations. Chaney's stint with the Lakers concluded on December 27, 1977, when he was traded along with forward to the in exchange for guard Charlie Scott, marking his return to the team where he had begun his NBA career.

Boston Celtics (1977–1980)

Chaney returned to the via trade from the on December 27, 1977, in exchange for guard Charlie Scott and forward . Acquired as a 31-year-old veteran familiar with the team's system, he served as a mentor to younger players during a transitional period, providing defensive guidance and leadership off the bench. In the 1977–78 season, Chaney's scoring average declined to 5.1 across 42 appearances, reflecting his reduced role, though he maintained strong defensive contributions with 0.9 steals per game. His return bridged the franchise's eras, making him the only Celtics player to share the court with both in 1968–69 and during the rookie's 1979–80 campaign. The following year, 1978–79, saw the team endure a challenging 29–53 record amid a rebuild, where Chaney's helped stabilize the locker room despite limited minutes of 16.5 per game and 5.9 points scored. Chaney retired at age 34 following the 1979–80 season, concluding a 12-year NBA career with 742 regular-season . His farewell marked the end of an era for the Celtics, bookended by the championships he won in his early years with the team in and 1974.

Coaching Career

Assistant Coaching Positions

Following his retirement from professional basketball in 1980, Don Chaney transitioned directly into coaching as an assistant with the Detroit Pistons under head coach Scotty Robertson, serving from 1980 to 1983. From 1983 to 1985, he served as an assistant with the San Diego Clippers under Jim Lynam. During his time with the Pistons, Chaney contributed to the team's efforts to rebuild after a challenging start to the decade, focusing on foundational defensive principles that aligned with his own playing background as a five-time All-Defensive Team selection. After a stint as head coach with the Los Angeles Clippers, Chaney returned to an assistant role with the Atlanta Hawks in the 1987–1988 season under Mike Fratello. The Hawks, led by stars like , advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals that year, where Chaney's input helped implement structured defensive rotations to counter high-scoring opponents. Chaney rejoined the as an assistant in the 1992–1993 season under head coach , amid a transitional period for the franchise following its championship era. His role emphasized player development, particularly mentoring young guards on perimeter defense and transition play, as the team navigated roster changes and aimed to regain competitiveness. From 1995 to 2001, Chaney enjoyed his longest assistant tenure with the , initially under and later , where he specialized in defensive schemes that became a hallmark of the team's identity. Hired in August 1995 to bolster the coaching staff, Chaney focused on installing rigorous man-to-man defenses and zone variations, contributing to the Knicks' reputation for physical, low-possession games during their deep playoff runs in the late . He played a key role in developing young guards like Chris Childs and later , teaching footwork and on-ball pressure techniques that enhanced their defensive versatility and overall growth. In 1994, Chaney served as an assistant coach for the United States national team at the FIBA World Championship under head coach Don Nelson, helping secure a gold medal with an undefeated 8–0 record. His contributions included adapting NBA-style defensive strategies to international competition, emphasizing quick rotations and help-side principles against diverse global offenses.

Los Angeles Clippers (1984–1987)

Don Chaney was hired as an interim head coach by the Los Angeles Clippers on March 13, 1985, replacing Jim Lynam with 21 games remaining in the 1984–85 season, following two years as an assistant coach with the team after serving in the same role with the Detroit Pistons from 1981 to 1983. He guided the Clippers to a 9–12 finish in those final games, contributing to the team's overall 31–51 record that season, which was marred by ongoing ownership instability under Donald Sterling, including financial losses exceeding $8 million since the franchise's relocation from San Diego and low attendance at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. On May 30, 1985, Chaney was officially named head coach on a one-year contract, becoming one of the NBA's early African American head coaches. Over his full tenure from 1985 to 1987, Chaney compiled a 53–132 record across three seasons, with the Clippers failing to qualify for the in any year and finishing no higher than fourth in the Pacific Division. In the 1985–86 season, his first full year, the team improved slightly to 32–50, bolstered by the acquisition of veteran forward , who averaged 20.3 points per game and earned honors, alongside point guard and rookie center , the fourth overall draft pick who finished seventh in Rookie of the Year voting. Chaney emphasized a defensive identity rooted in his playing background as a two-time All-Defensive Team selection, though the Clippers ranked 22nd in the league in points allowed at 115.5 per game that year, highlighting the challenges of integrating young talent like Benjamin with a rebuilding roster lacking depth. The 1986–87 season proved disastrous, with the Clippers posting a 12–70 record—the second-worst in NBA history at the time—and the league's worst point differential of -11.4. Key contributors included forward , who led the team in rebounds at 11.5 per game, and guard , but injuries to players like limited consistency, and the defense remained porous, allowing 115.9 points per game despite Chaney's focus on fundamentals. On April 22, 1987, following the season's conclusion, Chaney was fired by the franchise, though he remained open to staying in an advisory capacity amid the small-market struggles of a Clippers team overshadowed by the rival Lakers in . His time with the Clippers underscored the difficulties of managing emerging talents such as Benjamin and rookie talents in a resource-constrained environment, where player development was hindered by frequent roster turnover and limited fan support.

Houston Rockets (1988–1992)

Chaney was hired as head coach of the Houston Rockets on June 13, 1988, shortly after serving as an assistant with the Atlanta Hawks. A University of Houston alumnus, Chaney brought local ties that motivated his approach to rebuilding the team around center Hakeem Olajuwon. Over three full seasons and part of a fourth, Chaney compiled a 164–134 regular-season record (.550 winning percentage) with the Rockets, leading to three playoff appearances. In his debut 1988–89 campaign, the team finished 45–37 and second in the Midwest Division before losing in the first round of the playoffs to the Seattle SuperSonics 3–1. The following year, 1989–90, Houston went 41–41 and earned the fifth seed, but again exited in the first round against the Los Angeles Lakers 3–1. A pivotal acquisition came on October 12, 1988, when the Rockets traded forwards Rodney McCray and Jim Petersen to the Sacramento Kings for power forward Otis Thorpe, forming a formidable frontcourt duo with Olajuwon that emphasized interior defense and rebounding. This core powered the 1990–91 season, where Chaney guided Houston to a 52–30 record (.634 winning percentage), finishing 3rd in the Midwest Division and the sixth seed in the Western Conference. However, the Rockets were swept 3–0 by the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs. For orchestrating the 11-win improvement from the prior season and achieving the strong divisional standing, Chaney earned the 1991 NBA Coach of the Year award. The 1991–92 season began promisingly but soured, with the Rockets at 26–26 through 52 games when Chaney was fired on February 18, 1992, following an overtime loss to the expansion . The dismissal stemmed from the team's midseason slump despite high expectations after the previous year's success.

Detroit Pistons (1993–1995)

Don Chaney returned to the Detroit Pistons as head coach on May 3, 1993, after serving as an assistant coach for the team during the 1992–93 season. He replaced following a 40–42 finish that marked the Pistons' first playoff miss in a decade, inheriting a franchise in transition from its dominant "Bad Boys" era. Over two seasons under Chaney, the Pistons compiled a 48–116 record and failed to reach the in either year. The 1993–94 season proved particularly challenging, with the Pistons posting a franchise-worst 20–62 mark amid heavy roster turnover. Key "Bad Boys" veterans continued to age—Isiah Thomas at 32, at 32, and at 36—while the team traded rebounding specialist to the in October 1993 and saw Laimbeer retire abruptly in December after a practice altercation with Thomas. Thomas himself retired in May 1994 at age 33, leaving Dumars as the primary holdover from the championship teams of and 1990. These departures exacerbated the decline from the physical, intimidating style that defined the era, creating pressure to restore competitiveness amid fan expectations for sustained contention. Chaney, a five-time NBA All-Defensive selection during his playing career, emphasized defensive fundamentals in his approach to rebuild the roster's identity, though the Pistons ranked 22nd in points allowed per game (105.8). In 1994–95, the Pistons showed modest progress with a 28–54 record, buoyed by the rookie contributions of third overall pick , who averaged 16.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. Despite the slight uptick and continued focus on defensive principles to integrate younger talent, the team finished seventh in the Central Division and missed the again, allowing 104.5 points per game (20th in the league). Chaney was fired on April 26, 1995, as the franchise sought a new direction to accelerate its post-championship rebuild.

New York Knicks (2001–2004)

Chaney was promoted to head coach of the New York Knicks on December 10, 2001, following Jeff Van Gundy's abrupt resignation after a 10-9 start to the season, drawing on his six years of experience as an assistant with the team. In his first partial season, Chaney guided the Knicks to a 20-43 record, contributing to an overall 30-52 finish that placed the team seventh in the Atlantic Division and out of the playoffs. His approach emphasized a more laid-back style compared to Van Gundy, focusing on open communication to foster team unity amid the intense scrutiny of the New York market, including an early round-table meeting where players and coaches aired grievances. In the 2002–03 season, Chaney led the Knicks to a 37–45 record, finishing sixth in the Atlantic Division and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. The team relied heavily on scoring from guards and , who averaged 21.2 and 16.9 points per game, respectively, while forwards Kurt Thomas and (before his season-ending injury) provided frontcourt support. Chaney stressed defensive fundamentals, showing extensive film sessions to address lapses, though the Knicks ranked 20th in the league in points allowed per game at 97.2, highlighting ongoing struggles in execution despite his efforts to instill a culture of accountability. The 2003–04 season began with renewed hope after the acquisition of Stephon , but the Knicks stumbled to a 15–24 start under Chaney. On January 14, 2004, amid mounting pressure from newly hired president of operations to accelerate a franchise turnaround, Chaney was fired, concluding his Knicks tenure with an overall regular-season record of 72–112. Thomas immediately hired as replacement, marking Chaney's exit from his final head coaching role in the high-stakes New York environment.

Career Records

Playing Statistics

Don Chaney appeared in 790 games across his NBA and ABA career, totaling 6,663 points at 8.4 , 3,147 rebounds at 4.0 rebounds per game, 1,762 assists at 2.2 assists per game, and 558 steals at 0.7 steals per game (steals recorded starting in the 1973–74 season). The following table summarizes his NBA per-game averages for , points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks, with season totals for points in parentheses. His scoring peaked at 13.1 in the 1972–73 season with the .
SeasonTeamGPTSTRBASTSTLBLK
1968–69204.0 (80)2.31.0
1969–70635.0 (312)2.41.1
1970–718111.5 (930)5.72.9
1971–727911.9 (943)5.02.6
1972–737913.1 (1,038)5.72.8
1973–748110.4 (845)4.72.21.00.8
1974–75829.5 (775)4.52.21.50.8
1976–77816.1 (496)4.13.81.70.4
1977–78514.8 (246)2.31.30.90.3
1978–79655.9 (384)2.21.21.10.2
1979–80602.8 (167)1.20.60.50.2
CareerNBA7428.4 (6,216)3.92.11.00.5
In his lone ABA season with the Spirits of St. Louis during 1975–76, Chaney averaged 9.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game across 48 appearances, contributing 447 total points and 234 rebounds. Chaney participated in 70 NBA playoff games, averaging 11.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while totaling 783 points and 339 rebounds; steals and blocks were not officially tracked until later playoffs. His contributions included limited minutes in the (2 games, 1.0 ppg during Boston's championship run) and a more prominent role in the (7 games, 11.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.7 apg across 270 minutes as the Celtics won the title). Advanced metrics underscore Chaney's defensive impact, particularly during his peak years; he posted a defensive rating of 96 in 1973–74 and 94 in 1974–75, seasons in which he averaged 1.0 and 1.5 steals per game, respectively. These performances aligned with five NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors (1972–75, 1977).

Head Coaching Record

Don Chaney compiled an overall regular-season head coaching record of 337 wins and 494 losses in 831 games, for a of .406. His team-by-team records were as follows: with the , 53–132 (.287) in 185 games; with the , 164–134 (.550) in 298 games; with the , 48–116 (.293) in 164 games; and with the , 72–112 (.391) in 184 games. In the , Chaney led his teams to a 2–9 record (.182) over 11 games, all occurring during his tenure with the Rockets, where they made first-round appearances in the 1988–89, 1989–90, and 1990–91 seasons but were eliminated each time. The following table summarizes his season-by-season regular-season and playoff records:
SeasonTeamRegular SeasonPlayoffs
GamesWinsLossesWin %
1984–85LAC21912.429
1985–86LAC823250.390
1986–87LAC821270.146
1988–89HOU824537.549
1989–90HOU824141.500
1990–91HOU825230.634
1991–92HOU522626.500
1993–94DET822062.244
1994–95DET822854.341
2001–02NYK632043.317
2002–03NYK823745.451
2003–04NYK391524.385
Chaney's coaching stints often ended mid-season due to team performance issues, such as his firing by the Rockets on February 18, 1992, after a 26–26 start to the 1991–92 season, and his replacement with the Knicks on January 14, 2004, following a 15–24 record that year.

Personal Life

Family

Don Chaney was raised by his mother, Gladys Chaney, who single-handedly supported the family after his father deserted them when Don was in . She worked two jobs as a secretary and hospital clerk while taking in laundry to provide for her four children, instilling discipline and encouraging educational opportunities. In high school, Gladys played a pivotal role in directing Chaney's athletic focus by pulling him off the football field after a friend's injury, redirecting him toward where he excelled. Chaney has been married to his wife, Jackie, for decades; she has a medical background and provided steadfast support throughout his professional transitions, including coaching stints in cities like and New York. The couple has three children, and Chaney has embraced his role as a and grandfather, often crediting family as a stabilizing force amid frequent relocations during his NBA career. Public details about his siblings and remain limited, reflecting the family's preference for . Following his challenges, Chaney's has been actively involved in efforts, with Jackie serving as his primary advocate in managing care and communicating with medical professionals, while he encourages his children to pursue to monitor hereditary risks.

Health Challenges

In 2019, Don Chaney was diagnosed with hereditary transthyretin (ATTR-CM), a progressive heart condition confirmed through that identified the V122I prevalent among . The disease, which builds up abnormal proteins in the heart and can affect nerves and other organs, had likely remained undiagnosed for years prior, manifesting in symptoms such as , heart palpitations, , swelling in the legs and feet, , knee pain, and numbness in the legs and back. ATTR-CM is underrecognized, leading to delayed intervention in many cases, particularly due to hereditary factors. Chaney manages his ATTR-CM through a regimen of prescribed medications to stabilize the condition, regular cardiologist checkups for monitoring progression, and an emphasis on staying physically active to support heart health. As of early 2025, at age 79, he is enjoying life in retirement with his wife, focusing on daily wellness routines that allow him to maintain despite the ongoing challenges of the disease. Since his , Chaney has actively advocated for greater of ATTR-CM, participating in public interviews and speaking engagements, including a 2021 virtual event and ongoing campaigns, to highlight its disproportionate effects on Black communities and encourage proactive . He collaborates with initiatives like Voices for the Heart, sponsored by , to share his story and urge fans, family, and others to discuss symptoms with healthcare providers for early detection. In January 2025, the announced the retirement of his jersey number 30, reflecting his continued positive engagement despite health challenges. The condition has shaped Chaney's post-retirement life by prompting a shift toward health-focused activities and , yet he continues to engage energetically in these efforts with the of support in coping.

Awards and Honors

As a Player

Chaney won two NBA championships as a member of the , contributing to their victories in the against the and the against the . Recognized for his defensive tenacity, Chaney earned five selections to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team during his career, in the 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74, 1974–75, and 1976–77 seasons. These honors reflected his role as a lockdown perimeter defender, often tasked with guarding the opponent's top scorers, supported by career averages of 8.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game across 742 regular-season appearances. At the college level, Chaney was named an All-American in 1968 while playing for the , where he averaged 13.0 points and 5.8 rebounds per game as a senior. In 1981, he was inducted into the University of Houston Athletics Hall of Honor for his contributions to the program. Chaney holds the distinction of being the only Boston Celtics player to share the court with both during the 1968–69 season and starting in the 1982–83 season.

As a Coach

Chaney's most prominent individual award as a coach came in 1991, when he was named NBA Coach of the Year for guiding the to a franchise-record 52 wins and the sixth seed in the Western Conference. This recognition, also known as the Trophy, highlighted his defensive strategies and team turnaround after a disappointing prior season. Internationally, Chaney served as an assistant coach for the undefeated men's national team at the in , , where they captured the gold medal with an 8-0 record, defeating opponents by an average margin of over 30 points. Head coach led the squad, which featured NBA stars like and , and Chaney's contributions helped secure the program's first world title since 1954. Under Chaney's leadership with the Rockets, the team achieved playoff success in 1991 by winning the Western Conference First Round series against the 3-1 before falling in the Conference Semifinals to the 1-4. This marked the only playoff series victory of his head coaching tenure, underscoring his ability to elevate the Rockets to postseason contention.

Post-Career Recognitions

Following his retirement from coaching in 2004, Don Chaney received significant recognition from his , the . In 1981, he was inducted into the UH Athletics Hall of Honor, the department's highest accolade, honoring his contributions as a standout guard who amassed 1,133 points, 475 rebounds, and 204 assists during his collegiate career. In 2005, Chaney was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. More than four decades later, on February 1, 2025, the retired his No. 24 jersey during a halftime ceremony at Fertitta Center, joining an elite group of Cougar legends including and ; the event celebrated Chaney's role in elevating the program's national profile in the late 1960s. Chaney's enduring defensive legacy with the has been highlighted in post-career tributes, interviews, and media retrospectives spanning his contributions in 1969 and 1974. Renowned for his tenacity as a guard, he earned NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors five times, four during his Celtics tenure, establishing him as a cornerstone of the franchise's gritty defensive identity in the 1970s. In a 2021 profile, he was described as "defensively wired," a quiet enforcer whose perimeter play complemented stars like and helped secure two titles through relentless hustle. Recent discussions of Celtics history, including a 2025 analysis of elite backcourts, have invoked Chaney alongside modern defenders like and Derrick White, underscoring his place among the team's all-time defensive greats. Interviews from the 2010s and , such as those in Celtics series, have further explored his career arc from to coach, often crediting his defensive acumen as a defining trait that influenced generations of Boston players.

References

  1. https://www.[espn.com](/page/ESPN.com)/nba/news/2001/1209/1292792.html
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