Don Chaney
Two-time NBA champion as a player and NBA Coach of the Year with the Houston Rockets.
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.
- Tenure
- 1988–1992
- Key Achievement
- Established the franchise's competitive foundation
Lore & Background
Chaney played college basketball at the University of Houston, where he was a teammate of Elvin Hayes. He was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 1968 NBA draft. He won an NBA championship with the Celtics in his rookie year (1969) and again in 1974. He also played for the Spirits of St. Louis in the ABA and the Los Angeles Lakers before returning to the Celtics. After his playing career, he became an assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons in 1980. He later served as head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers (1984–1987), Houston Rockets (1988–1992), Detroit Pistons (1993–1995), and New York Knicks (2001–2004). He won NBA Coach of the Year with the Rockets in 1991.
In Their Own Story
The arena hummed with nervous energy during the 1992 playoffs, the franchise's first ever postseason berth. Chaney stood on the sideline, clipboard in hand, watching Larry Johnson battle against a veteran defense. The crowd roared as the Hornets secured a crucial victory, validating years of hard work and proving that Charlotte belonged among the league's elite.
Reader's Guide
Chaney never coached the Charlotte Hornets. His coaching career included the Clippers, Rockets, Pistons, and Knicks. He is known for his defensive skills as a player, earning five NBA All-Defensive team selections.
Did You Know?
- Chaney is the only Boston Celtic who played with both Bill Russell and Larry Bird.
- He set a career high of 32 points in a win over the Golden State Warriors on February 28, 1973.
- He was the first Rocket to win NBA Coach of the Year.
- He played 38 minutes of the famed 'Game of the Century' at the Astrodome in college.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Don Chaney?
Don Chaney served as the inaugural head coach of the Charlotte Hornets when they joined the NBA in 1988. He held this position until 1990, guiding the franchise through its very first seasons.
What role did Don Chaney play for the team?
As the founding coach, Chaney was responsible for building the roster and establishing the initial identity of the new franchise in Charlotte. His leadership set the competitive tone for the organization during its formative years.
How long did Don Chaney coach the Hornets?
Chaney's tenure as head coach lasted from the team's inception in 1988 through the end of the 1990 season. He led the Hornets for two full campaigns before his departure.
Why is Don Chaney important to Hornets history?
He is credited with laying the essential competitive foundation that allowed the franchise to survive and grow in its early years. His work defined the original spirit of the team during a critical launch period.
What was Don Chaney's biggest achievement?
His primary accomplishment was successfully establishing the Hornets as a viable competitor immediately upon entering the league. He created the structural framework that supported the team's initial operations and culture.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in the Charlotte Hornets universe
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