Remembering Chris Ford (1949-2023)

A valued role player throughout his 10-year NBA career, Chris Ford will always be known as the man who helped usher in a new era of basketball. After a standout collegiate career at Villanova, Chris Ford was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1972 and there he became known for his tenacious defense. In 1978 he was sent to Boston where his long range shooting would eventually earn him a special place in NBA history. On October 12, 1979 Chris Ford hit the leagues first ever Three Point shot and the game of basketball was changed forever. In 1981, Fords shooting and defense were instrumental to Boston claiming their fourteenth NBA Championship. After his playing career Ford turned to coaching first manning the sidelines for the Celtics-- including leading the East in the 1991 All Star Game and then leading the Bucks, Clippers and Sixers.