SALT LAKE CITY — Tom Nissalke, who gained coach of the yr honors within the NBA and ABA, has died. He was 87.
Nissalke died at his dwelling in Salt Lake City on Thursday after going through a “series of health-related problems” in recent times, in keeping with the Deseret News.
He was the primary coach of the Utah Jazz after the franchise relocated from New Orleans in 1979. Nissalke was additionally an NBA head coach in Seattle, Houston and Cleveland.
Nissalke obtained his begin within the professional ranks as an assistant with Milwaukee and helped information a workforce that includes Hall of Famers Oscar Robertson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to an NBA title in 1971. His work with the Bucks landed him a head teaching gig with the ABA’s Dallas Chaparrals. He led them to a 42-42 document in his first season and was named the league’s prime coach.
He was employed the subsequent season in Seattle, however was fired after a 13-32 begin. Nissalke then coached the Utah Stars and San Antonio earlier than returning to the NBA with the Rockets. He gained 124 video games in three seasons with Houston, twice taking the workforce to the playoffs and the 1977 Eastern Conference finals.
Nissalke was named the NBA’s Coach of the Year after going 49-33 in 1976-77.
After retiring, he was energetic with the YMCA and labored as a radio analyst.
Nissalke is survived by a daughter, Holly, son Thomas Jr, and two grandchildren. His spouse, Nancy, died in 2006.