Houston Rockets mourn the passing of coach Carroll Dawson at 86

Carroll Dawson, a significant figure in the Houston Rockets organization, passed away at the age of 86. His career spanned nearly three decades, during which he served as both an assistant coach and general manager. Dawson's coaching tenure lasted from 1980 to 1997, and he was pivotal in the team's success, leading them to six playoff appearances. As general manager from 1996 to 2007, he oversaw a successful period, with a record of 461-409. Dawson was instrumental in the development of legendary players such as Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson. He was the only coach to be present during all four of the Rockets' NBA Finals appearances, including the back-to-back championship wins. His contributions extended beyond the NBA, as he also played a crucial role in assembling the Houston Comets, who won four WNBA championships. Before joining the Rockets, Dawson was the head coach at Baylor University from 1973 to 1977, where he compiled a record of 44-51. His deep roots in Texas and his commitment to basketball made him a beloved figure in the community. The Rockets organization expressed their sorrow over his passing, highlighting his legacy and the impact he had on the franchise. Dawson's death marks the end of an era for the Houston Rockets, as he was a cornerstone of the organization. His influence on the team and the players he mentored will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike, solidifying his place in the history of the franchise.