Doug Collins
First overall pick, four-time All-Star, and 2024 Hall of Famer for Philadelphia.
Paul Douglas Collins (born July 28, 1951) is an American basketball executive, former player, coach, and television analyst. Drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1973, he played eight seasons for the franchise, earning four NBA All-Star selections. His playing career ended in 1981 due to foot and knee injuries after accumulating 7,427 points. In April 2024, Collins was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2024 by the Contributors Committee.
- Role
- Former Player and Head Coach
- Affiliation
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Playing position
- N/A (Source does not specify position)
- Notable achievement
- Led the 2011-12 Sixers to a first-round upset of the top-seeded Bulls
- Status
- Hall of Fame Inductee (2024)
Lore & Background
Collins' professional journey began when he joined Julius Erving on the Sixers in the 1976–77 season. Together, they led Philadelphia to the NBA Finals, where they ultimately lost to the Portland Trail Blazers. This era defined his playing legacy before a series of injuries to his feet and left knee beginning in 1979 forced his retirement in 1981. In total, he played 415 NBA games, averaging 17.9 points per game. His transition from player to coach started with assistant roles at Penn and Arizona State before he became a CBS commentator. He later returned to the Sixers as head coach in 2010, revitalizing the team immediately.
Reader's Guide
Collins' coaching path extended beyond Philadelphia. He coached the Chicago Bulls (1986–1989), where he improved the team by 10 games in his first two seasons and took them to their first Eastern Conference finals in 15 years, though they fell to the Detroit Pistons. He later returned to the league with the Detroit Pistons (1995–1998), improving their record by 18 games in his first year and leading them back to the playoffs. In Washington (2001–2003), he again improved a team's previous season record by 18 games upon arrival, reuniting with Michael Jordan and Charles Oakley. His tenure ended when he resigned from the Sixers on April 18, 2013, citing a need to spend time with his five grandchildren. He subsequently joined the Bulls as a senior advisor of basketball operations in September 2017.
Did You Know?
- Collins was born in Christopher, Illinois, and grew up next door to future film star John Malkovich.
- He made two go-ahead free throws in the controversial 1972 Olympic gold medal game against the Soviet Union that should have won the US the game before time was replayed.
- In 2008, his son Chris served as a court coach and scout for the 'Redeem Team' while Collins covered the Olympics for NBC.
- Collins resigned as 76ers coach in 2013 specifically to spend more time with his five grandchildren.
- A statue depicting Collins and his college coach Will Robinson was unveiled outside Redbird Arena on September 19, 2009.
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