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Former Celtics Greats Chaney, Ford and Silas Continuing the Celtics Tradition of Leadership
By: Jeff Twiss

Knicks Head Coach Don Chaney takes in the action at the Reebok Pro Summer League.

Three former Celtics greats, Don Chaney, Chris Ford and Paul Silas returned to Boston this week to visit with old friends and to participate in the Reebok Pro Summer League. All three gentlemen are no longer wearing the Green and White Celtics uniforms but they are all contributing for other NBA teams and continuing the Celtics tradition of leadership.

Chaney, the head coach of the New York Knickerbockers, begins his 24th season of head coaching in the league. The 2003-04 season will mark his third year at the helm of the Knicks. Chaney has also served as head coach with the Los Angeles Clippers, the Houston Rockets and the Detroit Pistons. He was a member of the Celtics world championship teams in 1969 and 1974.

When asked what he learned from his Celtics days and how it has helped to prepare him for the NBA of today, Chaney points to two key factors.

"The number one thing I have learned being with the Celtics and that has stayed with me through my playing and coaching career was the importance they placed on two things - fundamentals and unselfishness," remarked Chaney. "Success has always been based on fundamentals here, like sharing the basketball and playing as a team. That's what I try convey and remind to our current team."

Ford, was recently named Assistant Coach of the Philadelphia 76ers. Like Chaney, Ford has also served as head coach of a couple other NBA teams, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Clippers after he began his coaching career with the Celtics. He was a member of the Celtics world championship teams in 1981, 1984 and 1986.

The Celtics influence greatly aided Ford's growth and development from a player to a coach.

"The Celtics organization really instilled a family atmosphere and one where you help each other out, both on and off the court. Success in this league doesn't come easy or by accident but with preparation,

Chris Ford was recently named Assistant Coach of the Philadelphia 76ers.

the right chemistry and a willingness to work together for a common goal, great things can occur. Now I hope to continue to assist the Sixers, Randy (Ayers) and his staff."

Silas was recently named head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has also served as head coach of the San Diego Clippers and the Charlotte and New Orleans Hornets. He was a member of the 1974 and 1976 Celtics world championship teams.

"Before every game, I used to go in and talk to Red Auerbach," explained Silas. "We used to talk not only about basketball but about life and what he did when he coached. I picked up and learned so much from him that words cannot say. What he instituted and what the Celtics stood for then, and still do today, helped to prepare me for what I am today. A lot of life's lessons I learned from him."

The Reebok Pro Summer League is the place for the young men who want to be the future superstars in the NBA. They listen, react and learn from mistakes during the week. But, the three teams that have these former Celtics greats on their staff are off to a flying start already armed with knowledge and experience, even if it is only July.

(Editors note: It should be noted that former Celtics star Dominque Wilkins is also present at the Reebok Pro Summer League serving as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks. Wilkins' official title with the Hawks is Director of Player Development.)

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