Heinsohn May Coach Rockets

May 19, 1983

HEINSOHN MAY COACH ROCKETS

Chuck Daly, John Bach and Tom Nissalke got NBA coaching contracts Tuesday. Can Tom Heinsohn be far behind?

Heinsohn, former coach of the Boston Celtics, is said to be the leading candidate to fill the Houston Rockets' coaching vacancy. Rockets' spokesman Jim Foley said that no announcement of a contract is imminent, but Heinsohn said he was optimistic about the prospects in Houston.



"All I can say for sure right now is that the opportunity sure seems right," said Heinsohn, who guided the Celtics to two NBA titles before leaving basketball in 1978.

Heinsohn met Monday with Rockets' General Manager Ray Patterson and club owner Charlie Thomas and said that all his questions were answered.

"I had some problems in the past with ownership and if you don't have solid people backing you at the top, the thing just isn't going to be worthwhile," said Heinsohn, who hopes to replace Del Harris.

"There are no quick fixes or magic cures in this business. But, if the owner, general manager and coach are together regarding the development of a program, it can be enjoyable and rewarding for everyone. From what I learned, I think that could be the case in Houston."

Heinsohn compiled a record of 427-263 with Boston. Since then he has worked as a painter, broadcaster and insurance agent.

The Rockets finished the season with a 14-68 record, second worst in the NBA's 37-year history.

Meanwhile, Daly will be trying to make a new start in Detroit, Bach will be replacing Al Attles at Golden State and Nissalke will be getting a second chance in Cleveland.

Daly was named to replace Scotty Robertson as coach at Detroit after building his NBA reputation as an assistant with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Daly, 52, spent four full seasons and part of another as an assistant to 76ers' Coach Billy Cunningham, helping Philadelphia to a 236-104 record in regular-season play and two division titles.

However, in his only head-coaching job, Daly was 9-32 before being fired as coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 1981-82 season.

Daly coached at the University of Pennsylvania from 1971 to 1977 where he compiled a 125-32 record. The Quakers earned a berth in the NCAA tournament four of those six seasons. He also coached two seasons at Boston College and was an assistant at Duke for seven years.

The Pistons finished 37-45 this season and missed the playoffs for the sixth successive year.

"I'd like to say I can promise the playoffs, but I can't," Daly said. "We're going to try very hard, however. Anyone who has been in this league knows that it has changed dramatically. It's nice to think about the future, but you've got to try to win every night. That's what we're going to strive for. Our goal is to make the playoffs."

John Bach waited longer than Daly to become an NBA coach. Bach, 58, began his coaching career at Fordham University 33 years ago when the NBA was still in its infancy and then coached at Penn State.

Attles, who stepped down as coach at the end of this season after 14 years, and owner Franklin Mieuli said they delayed announcing Bach's promotion in order to "be fair to him." They said they interviewed several coaches for the job.

"I have a lot of confidence in John," said Attles, who retained his position as general manager. "In four years, John has learned a lot about the pro game."

Nissalke was rehired by new Cavaliers' owners Gordon and George Gund. Nissalke guided Cleveland to 23 victories last season, more than many had expected from the Cavaliers.

No contract terms were announced, although Nissalke said it covers more than one year.