On Wednesday, the Boston Celtics and the NBA family received the terrible news that Chris Ford had passed away at age 74.
Ford is credited with making the first 3-pointer in NBA history while with the Celtics during the 1979-80 season after he had been acquired from the Detroit Pistons in a deal.
The No. 17 pick in the 1972 draft by the Pistons, Ford went to Holy Spirit High School in Absecon, New Jersey, and Villanova University before embarking on a successful 10-year playing career in the NBA. He averaged 10.3 points and 3.3 assists as a member of the Celtics before becoming the head coach for the organization in 1990.
Per an official press release, the Ford family released a statement:
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 those that were fortunate enough to be a part of his life.
The Celtics organization released this statement:
As a player and coach, Chris Ford’s career spanned over a decade of Celtics basketball, and he made his mark every step of the way. He was a member of three NBA World Championship Boston Celtics teams, one as a key player on the 1981 Champions, and subsequently as an assistant coach for the 1984 and 1986 champs. Ford went on to become the team’s eleventh head coach, leading his former teammates Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish to multiple playoff appearances in the trio’s final days together. ‘Doc,’ as he was affectionately known by his teammates, was a fundamentally versatile all-around guard. He was voted the team’s MVP in his first season with the Celtics, and he is famously credited with scoring the NBA’s first three-point basket. Ford joined an elite group of Celtics’ personnel (Bill Russell, Tom Heinsohn and K.C. Jones) who have earned championship rings as both a player and coach with the organization. The Boston Celtics sends their deepest sympathies to the Ford family and their many friends.
As a player and coach, Chris Ford’s career spanned over a decade of Celtics basketball, and he made his mark every step of the way. (1/5) pic.twitter.com/1A6TRZUe4p
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 18, 2023
