The NBA lost a legendary coach and a legendary player today as former Coach of the Year Gene Shue passed away. He was 90 years old.
Shue made his mark in college as an All-ACC guard at Maryland and then in the NBA as a five-time All-Star with the Pistons. But he really made his mark on the game with his 22-year run as a head coach.
Shue was hired as head coach of the Baltimore Bullets in 1966 and within two years of taking over a 16-40 team had them on top of the Eastern Conference. He led the Bullets to the playoffs five years in a row, and to the NBA Finals in 1971.
In 1973, Shue took over as head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers and had them in the NBA Finals just four years after. A second stint with the Bullets would be sandwiched by four years as head coach of the Clippers.
The NBA family mourns the passing of Gene Shue, a 5x NBA All-Star, 2x All-NBA selection and 2x NBA Coach of the Year. Gene dedicated his life to the game and left an indelible mark as a player, head coach and executive. We extend our deepest condolences to the Shue family.
— NBA (@NBA) April 4, 2022
Over a 22-year career, Gene Shue led his teams to the playoffs 10 times and to the NBA Finals twice. He went 30-47 in the playoffs and 784-861 in the regular season.
Shue was a two-time NBA Coach of the Year and a two-time NBA All-Star Game head coach.
But despite his accomplishments, the Basketball Hall of Fame has eluded him. He is one of three NBA head coaches with over 700 wins that isn’t in the Hall of Fame.
Our hearts go out to Coach Shue’s family and loved ones.
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