Carroll Dawson, legendary assistant coach and GM of the Rockets, dies at age 86
Carroll Dawson, former assistant coach and general manager of the Houston Rockets, has died at the age of 86, the team announced Monday.
The cause of death has not been released.
Dawson, known as “CD,” spent nearly three decades with the Rockets from 1980 to 2007, starting as an assistant coach under Del Harris and working with Bill Fitch, Don Chaney and Rudy Tomjanovich before moving into the front office in 1996. He remains the only figure in franchise history to serve as an assistant during each of their four NBA Finals runs, most notably during 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 said in a statement. “We will miss his uplifting spirit, infectious humor and kind nature dearly. 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 family mourns the loss of their beloved former coach and general manager, Carroll Dawson, affectionately known as “CD.”
For nearly three decades, CD was a cornerstone of our organization, playing a key role in shaping the careers of stars like Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson.… photo.twitter.com/U0iE3EIET1
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) September 9, 2024
As an assistant, Dawson built a reputation around the league for developing big men, working closely with Hall of Famers such as Elvin Hayes, Hakeem Olajuwon, Ralph Sampson and Moses Malone. His prowess in player development continued in his role as general manager, charged with the day-to-day running of the Rockets’ scouting department.
Dawson continually looked for ways to improve the roster and successfully traded players such as Scottie Pippen, Charles Barkley, Cuttino Mobley and Tracy McGrady. He also managed to draft Yao Ming in 2002. In 2007, Dawson hired Daryl Morey as his successor.
That year, the Rockets hung a banner with the initials “CD” from the rafters of the Toyota Center to honor Dawson’s work for the franchise.
But Dawson’s impact wasn’t limited to the NBA. He was also an instrumental figure in building the four-time WNBA champion Houston Comets, who remain the most successful WNBA franchise of all time. As the organization’s executive vice president, Dawson played a monumental role in signing WNBA legends Tina Thompson, Cynthia Cooper and Sheryl Swoopes, along with hiring coach Van Chancellor.
“I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to get to know (Dawson) and work with him,” Rockets general manager Rafael Stone told The Athletics in a statement. “He’s a Houston Rockets legend and someone I’ve learned a lot from, especially his ability to use humor to get his point across and connect with people. That’s a timeless quality that not many people possess and it was cool to get the chance to observe that.”
(Photo of Dawson at the 2006 NBA Draft Lottery: Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE via Getty Images)
