Carroll Dawson Dies at Age 86; Won 2 NBA Titles as Rockets Assistant Coach

Former Houston Rockets general manager and assistant coach Carroll Dawson died Monday, the team announced. He was 86.

The team released the following statement:

"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. A proud Texas native, CD served as the only coach to be present for all four of Houston's NBA Finals appearances, including the back-to-back championship teams. As general manager, he brought iconic talents to Houston including Charles Barkley, Steve Francis, Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, while also assembling the four-time WNBA champion Houston Comets.

"While CD's contributions to basketball were remarkable, it was his character that truly stood out. We will deeply miss his uplifting spirit, infectious humor, and kind-hearted nature. 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."

A cause of death was not released publicly.

A number of tributes followed news of Carroll's death:

"It wouldn't have happened without him," former Rockets head coach Rudy Tomjanovich told Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle. "The success wouldn't have happened without him. People don't understand how important he was to all of us."

"He was an amazing man," he added. "Life is interesting. You run into people. Sometimes there is chemistry that clicks. I was a city guy from up north. He was a guy from the country. He blessed my life so greatly. Yesterday, when I heard things were getting close, so many memories went through my head. I was thinking how fortunate I was to have him in my life."

Carroll played for Baylor during his college career and later served as the head coach there from 1973 to '77 seasons. He then served as the Rockets' assistant head coach from 1980 to '96 before moving to a position in the front office. He served as general manager until 2007, when he brought on Daryl Morey to serve as his successor.