Detroit Pistons Hall of Fame Coach Chuck Daly Dead at 78

The basketball world and the Detroit Pistons organization were dealt another blow today with the death of Hall of Fame Coach Chuck Daly. He had been battling prostate cancer for awhile. Earlier this season the Pistons lost longtime owner William Davidson who was responsible for hiring Daly.

Daly came to the Pistons in 1983. At the time they were a team struggling to find their identity but under Daly's guidance they became a powerhouse in the Eastern Conference and went on to win back to back championships in 1989 and 1990.

The team, known around the league as the "Bad Boys", became known for their rough play, intensity and strong defense. Daly was able to take a team filled with strong egos and make them a cohesive unit.

Daly was able to form close relationships with all of his players and never took himself seriously. Former Piston John Salley gave him the nickname "Daddy Rich" for his impeccably tailored suits after the media began to make a big deal about them and his well groomed hair.

Former Piston Isiah Thomas had this to say after learning of Daly's death this morning, "I can't explain in words how much he gave me as a player and a man."

Daly retired after nine seasons in Detroit and two coaching for the New Jersey Nets, but he remained a vital part of the Pistons organization. Over the years he was there to lend his point of view and guidance to the various Pistons' coaches who followed him.

Daly returned to the bench in 1997 with the Orlando Magic and coached them two seasons, then retired at the age of 68. He later joined the Vancouver Grizzlies as a senior adviser.

Each playoff season Daly was on hand to provide commentary, often appearing with local Detroit Pistons' broadcasters George Blaha and Greg Kelser.

His presence has been sorely missed this year as The National Basketball Coaches' Association created pins with the initials "CD" that many coaches and broadcasters are wearing dedicating the postseason to him. The organization also established the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be given annually.

Because of Daly's success with the Pistons that led USA Basketball to tab Daly to coach the 1992 “Dream Team” at the Barcelona Olympics.

The team boasted the likes of Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan and Larry Bird and easily led the way to a gold medal. The gold medal win was perhaps Daly's greatest achievement. There has not been a team as good since.

"He handled that team and its talent as well as anybody could. He treated us all with respect and had us all vying for the same goal." said Bird.

Despite his success, Daly never won the Coach of the Year honors but was on hand to present the trophy to former Pistons' coach Rick Carlysle in 2002.

The Pistons retired No. 2 in 1997 to honor Daly's two NBA titles.