Former Houston Rockets assistant coach and general manager Carroll Dawson has passed away at the age of 86, as announced by the team on Monday.
The cause of his death was not revealed.
Dawson, also known as “CD,” dedicated almost thirty years to the Rockets from 1980 to 2007. He started as an assistant coach under Del Harris and then worked with Bill Fitch, Don Chaney, and Rudy Tomjanovich before moving to the front office in 1996. He holds the distinction of being the only person in franchise history to have served as an assistant coach during all four of their NBA Finals appearances, particularly during the championship victories in 1994 and 1995.
Describing Dawson, the Rockets said, “While CD’s contributions to basketball were impressive, it was his character that truly made an impact. We will miss his positive spirit, contagious humor, and kind nature. We are honored to preserve CD’s legacy by hanging his banner in the rafters of Toyota Center, alongside our other Rockets legends.”
The Rockets family mourns the loss of beloved former coach and general manager, Carroll Dawson, affectionately known as “CD.”
For nearly three decades, CD was a cornerstone of our organization, instrumental in shaping the careers of stars like Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson.… pic.twitter.com/U0iE3EIET1
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) September 9, 2024
During his time as an assistant coach, Dawson was known for his expertise in developing big men, working closely with Hall of Fame players such as Elvin Hayes, Hakeem Olajuwon, Ralph Sampson, and Moses Malone. His talent in player development carried over to his role as general manager, where he oversaw the everyday operations of the Rockets’ scouting department.
Dawson was committed to improving the team’s roster, making successful trades for players like Scottie Pippen, Charles Barkley, Cuttino Mobley, and Tracy McGrady, as well as drafting Yao Ming in 2002. In 2007, Dawson brought in Daryl Morey as his successor.
That same year, the Rockets raised a banner with the initials “CD” at Toyota Center to honor Dawson’s contributions to the organization.
However, Dawson’s influence extended beyond the NBA. He played a key role in the formation of the four-time WNBA Champion Houston Comets, the most successful WNBA franchise to date. As executive vice president, Dawson was pivotal in signing WNBA stars Tina Thompson, Cynthia Cooper, and Sheryl Swoopes, as well as hiring coach Van Chancellor.
“I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to know and work with (Dawson),” said Rockets general manager Rafael Stone in a statement to The Athletic. “He is a Houston Rockets legend and someone from whom I learned a great deal, particularly his ability to use humor to connect with others. This is a timeless quality that few possess, and it was a privilege to witness.”
(Photo of Dawson at the 2006 NBA Draft Lottery: Jennifer Pottheiser / NBAE via Getty Images)