Chuck Daly (1930-2009)... One of the Good Guys

Over the weekend, the NBA lost one of the good guys. Strangely enough he coached "The Bad Boys." Chuck Daly lost his short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 78. Daly was quite the successful coach in basketball, leading the Detroit Pistons to 2 NBA Championships and he won Olympic Gold with the "Dream Team" in 1992. He also coached locally, guiding the New Jersey Nets to the playoffs in both seasons that he led the team. But it's real easy to look at a man based on his accomplishments. I think the opinions of his peers are just as important.

In the weeks following the announcement of Daly's cancer diagnosis, NBA coaches and announcers wore pins on their lapels that said "CD". That was an outward sign of their appreciation of the man he was and his contribution to the game of basketball. When the NBA family heard of his passing, there was nothing but praise. Michael Jordan's Bulls teams battled against the Pistons for much of the late 80's. They were known for knocking him around a bit. But in the Barcelona Olympic games, Jordan was on Daly's side. "Chuck was a great leader," Jordan said. "I only wish I could have played for him outside of the Dream Team." Phil Jackson who coached those Bulls teams said: "In the heat of those battles, Chuck was always a friend of coaches, a good guy... We're going to miss him in the NBA a lot." Charles Barkley who also played for Daly on the Dream Team said "I never understood how a great man and nice guy coached the Bad Boys..." Celtics coach Doc Rivers used Daly as a sounding board when he had a problem. He respected Daly's time and achievements in the game. When he called for advice, Rivers marvelled at Daly's wisdom, calling him "A genius at making things that looked so complicated very simple." Rivers added, "He was special to the game.. a great guy to be around."

Daly's opponents liked and respected him. His own players loved him. Isiah Thomas said Daly's death was an "immeasurable loss for the NBA and the entire basketball world... I can't explain in words how much he gave me as a player and a man." John Salley gave Daly the nickname "Daddy Rich" because of the finely tailored suits that he wore... Appropriate because it looks like everyone around Daly was rich for knowing him. Daly is survived by his wife, daughter, and 2 grandchildren. He will be missed.