Veteran Rockets Coach and GM Carroll Dawson Passes Away After Long Career

Carroll Dawson, who spent almost thirty years with the Houston Rockets organization as an assistant coach and GM, has passed away at the age of 86, the team announced on Monday.

No further details about his death were provided.

\"The Rockets family is saddened by the loss of our beloved former coach and GM, Carroll Dawson, affectionately known as \'CD,\'\" the team expressed.

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Dawson served as an assistant coach for Houston from 1980-1997. During his time as GM from 1996-2007, the Rockets had a record of 461-409 and made six playoff appearances.

\"For almost thirty years, CD was a cornerstone of our organization, playing a crucial role in the success of players like Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson. As a proud native of Texas, CD was the only coach to be present for all four of Houston\'s NBA Finals appearances, including the consecutive championship teams. As GM, he brought in legendary players such as Charles Barkley, Steve Francis, Yao Ming, and Tracy McGrady, and also helped assemble the four-time WNBA champion Houston Comets,\" the team stated.

Dawson also served as the head coach at his alma mater, Baylor, from 1973-1977, achieving a record of 44-51.