Former Celtics coach Bill Fitch dies at age 89

Bill Fitch (YouTube)

According to Tom Withers of the Associated Press, Basketball Hall of Fame head coach Bill Fitch died on Thursday at the age of 89. Fitch coached a quarter of a century in the National Basketball Association with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1970-79, the Boston Celtics from 1979 to 1983, the Houston Rockets from 1983 to 1988, the New Jersey Nets from 1989 to 1992, and the Los Angeles Clippers from 1994 to 1998.

In 2050 games, Fitch actually had a losing record of 944 wins and 1106 losses. However, he will be most remembered for his successful four seasons with the Celtics from 1980 to 1983, and then his ability to turn around the Rockets in a short period of time. A native of Davenport, Iowa, Fitch was the NBA Coach of the Year with the Cavaliers in 1976, and the Celtics in 1980.

While in Boston, Fitch won the NBA Finals with the Celtics in 1980-81. That season he had a record of 62 wins and 20 losses as the Celtics beat the Rockets in six games. What was stunning is the fact that the Celtics did not seem committed to Fitch during his time in Boston despite the fact he had a remarkable record of 242 wins and 86 losses with a marvelous winning percentage of .738.  The Celtics star player at the time, Larry Bird, did state that Fitch was good for him, even though he was known for his tough practices.

After his time in Boston, Fitch guided the Rockets to the 1986 NBA Finals, where they lost to the Celtics. During this era, Fitch had the opportunity to coach another legend in Hakeem Olajuwon. The success would not continue for Fitch in New Jersey and Los Angeles. In 2019, he was inducted into the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame.

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