Carroll Dawson, who spent nearly 30 years with Rockets as assistant coach and GM, dies at 86

HOUSTON, Texas -- Carroll Dawson, who spent nearly three decades with the Houston Rockets' organization as an assistant coach and general manager, has died at the age of 86, the team announced Monday.

No other details of his death were given.

"The Rockets family mourns the loss of beloved former coach and general manager, Carroll Dawson, affectionately known as 'CD,'" the team said.

He was an assistant coach with Houston from 1980 to '97. The Rockets were 461-409 with six trips to the playoffs during his tenure as GM of the Rockets from 1996 to 2007.

"For nearly three decades, CD was a cornerstone of our organization, instrumental in shaping the careers of stars like Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson. A proud Texas native, CD served as the only coach to be present for all four of Houston's NBA Finals appearances, including the back-to-back championship teams. As general manager, he brought iconic talents to Houston, including Charles Barkley, Steve Francis, Yao Ming, and Tracy McGrady, while also assembling the four-time WNBA champion Houston Comets," the team said.

Dawson was the head coach at his alma mater Baylor from 1973 to '77, compiling a record of 44-51.