Former Houston Rockets laborer teacher and common supervisor Carroll Dawson has died at past 86, the staff introduced Monday.
The reason for his demise was once no longer disclosed.
Dawson, referred to as “CD,” spent just about 3 many years with the Rockets from 1980 to 2007, founding as an laborer teacher beneath Del Harris and dealing with Invoice Fitch, Don Chaney and Rudy Tomjanovich earlier than transitioning to the entrance place of job in 1996. He remainder the lone determine in franchise historical past to have served as an laborer throughout each and every in their 4 NBA Finals runs, maximum particularly throughout the back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995.
“While CD’s contributions to basketball were remarkable, it was his character that truly stood out,” the Rockets stated in a commentary. “We will deeply miss his uplifting spirit, infectious humor, and kind-hearted nature. We are proud that CD’s legacy will forever be honored with his banner hanging from the rafters of Toyota Center, alongside our other Rockets legends.”
The Rockets crowd mourns the lack of cherished former teacher and common supervisor, Carroll Dawson, affectionately referred to as “CD.”
For almost 3 many years, CD was once 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 laborer, Dawson constructed a name across the league for creating heavy males, running intently with Corridor of Famers like Elvin Hayes, Hakeem Olajuwon, Ralph Sampson and Moses Malone. His skillability in participant construction carried over to his function as common supervisor, tasked with the day by day working of the Rockets’ scouting segment.
Dawson repeatedly sought avenues to improve the roster, effectively pulling off trades for the likes of Scottie Pippen, Charles Barkley, Cuttino Mobley and Tracy McGrady — in conjunction with drafting of Yao Ming in 2002. In 2007, Dawson leased Daryl Morey as his successor.
That date, the Rockets hung a banner with the initials “CD” from the rafters at Toyota Heart to honor Dawson’s paintings with the franchise.
However Dawson’s have an effect on wasn’t simply restricted to the NBA. He was once additionally an instrumental determine within the development of four-time WNBA Champion Houston Comets, which nonetheless stands as essentially the most a success WNBA franchise of all hour. As government vp of the group, Dawson performed a enormous function in signing WNBA legends Tina Thompson, Cynthia Cooper and Sheryl Swoopes in conjunction with the hiring of teacher Van Chancellor.
“I’m lucky to have the chance to get to know and work with (Dawson),” Rockets common supervisor Rafael Stone advised The Athletic in a commentary. “He’s a Houston Rockets legend and someone I learned a lot from, particularly his ability to use humor to make his point and connect with people. That’s a timeless quality that not many people possess and it was cool to get the chance to observe.”
(Picture of Dawson on the 2006 NBA Draft Lottery: Jennifer Pottheiser / NBAE by the use of Getty Photographs)
