A name that has been attached to the game of basketball for many years and notably with the Boston Celtics, Chris Ford, passed away at the age of 74. Ford was one of those personalities who won a championship both as a player and assistant coach with the same organization. The NBA world joined in to pay homage to the veteran on social media.
The 74-year-old veteran’s family announced the news of his death on Wednesday. However, they mentioned that the veteran died a day prior to the announcement. Ford’s family said in a statement shared through 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.”?
NBA fans paid homage to Chris Ford
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Meanwhile, soon after getting to know about Ford’s demise, the fans took to Twitter and paid homage to the 74-year-old. As most of the fans paid homage to the 6’5 veteran, a few of them pointed out that he was the first to score a 3-pointer in NBA history. Apart from that, some of the users shared their stories of meeting the former Celtics star.
Here are some of the reactions of the NBA fan:
Made the first 3-pointer in NBA history, correct?
— Mike Green (@Beener1435) January 18, 2023
Oh goodness. Great player and coach
— Plumber Vol 🍊 (@SamuelEricJenki) January 18, 2023
Met him at the Wayne Embry basketball camp in Nashua, I was about 11 years old, and he talked to me like a normal person and not some dopey kid. Super nice guy from what I remember.
— David Cooper (@Cooper33Cooper) January 18, 2023
My first thought is his collision with Bob Lanier in the 1970 East Regional Final. Solid player.
— Barry Gellers (@bg23on28) January 18, 2023
RIP. First three pointer in the NBA.
— Marvin Wash (@mwash52) January 18, 2023
This is awful news. Quick story, he spoke at Wayne Embery's camp the year I went, maybe 1981. There was a kid there, very tall and had a couple of issues. Ford gave him his dark green Cons that many of the Celtics wore back then.
— Roger Nusbaum (@randomroger) January 18, 2023
Damn, I liked Chris Ford. Part of the great celtics teams. Sad.
— Kelly (@Kelly21762935) January 18, 2023
Sad News,Solid Player and Coach
— Tom's Old Days (@sigg20) January 18, 2023
The career of Chris Ford in the NBA
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Ford started his career in the league with the Detroit Pistons in 1972 and eventually moved to the Boston Celtics after spending six seasons in Detroit. His stint in Boston was shorter than Detroit but in that period of time, he got his hands on the coveted trophy. Ford’s career as a player lasted for only 10 years. However, in that 10 years, the veteran managed to average around 9.2 points, three rebounds, and 3.4 assists.
Thereafter, the veteran left the Celtics in 1982 and joined them a year later as the assistant coach. During his tenure as an assistant coach, the Celtics won the championship twice. As the years went by, the former Celtics star became the head coach of the Celtics. His coaching career ended in 2004 after managing the Philadelphia 76ers as an interim coach.
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