Dick Motta

John Richard Motta (b. September 3, 1931 in Midvale, Utah) is a former basketball coach whose career in the NBA spanned 25 years. Although infamous for his quick temper and eccentricities, Motta was an effective strategist who knew who to bring the best out of his players. He was hired as head coach of the Chicago Bulls in 1968 after a six-year stint at Weber State. From 1970 to 1974 he led the Bulls to four straight seasons of 50 wins or more, winning the NBA Coach of the Year Award in 1971. In 1976 Motta left the Bulls to coach the Washington Bullets, with whom he won an NBA Championship in 1978. After two more seasons with the Bullets, he became the first coach of the Dallas Mavericks, whom he led to a 55-27 record in 1986-1987. Motta also served with the Sacramento Kings and Denver Nuggets before retiring in 1997.

Related Topics:
September 3 - 1931 - Midvale, Utah - NBA - Chicago Bulls - Weber State - 1970 - 1974 - NBA Coach of the Year Award - 1971 - 1976 - Washington Bullets - NBA Championship - 1978 - Dallas Mavericks - 1986 - 1987 - Sacramento Kings - Denver Nuggets - 1997

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