Bill Sharman's basketball career is a remarkable chapter in the history of the sport. Born on May 25, 1926, in Abilene, Texas, Sharman grew up in Southern California, where he developed a love for basketball. He attended the University of Southern California (USC), where he played both basketball and baseball, showcasing his athletic prowess.

Sharman's professional basketball journey began when he was drafted by the Washington Capitols in the 1950 NBA Draft. However, it was with the Boston Celtics that he truly flourished. Joining the Celtics in 1951, Sharman became an integral part of the team, playing as a guard. His shooting ability was exceptional, and he was known for his free-throw accuracy, leading the league in free-throw percentage seven times during his career.

During his tenure with the Celtics, Sharman formed a formidable backcourt duo with Bob Cousy. Together, they helped the team secure multiple NBA championships. Sharman's playing style was characterized by his quick release and precise shooting, making him one of the most reliable scorers of his time. He was selected to the All-NBA First Team four times and was an eight-time NBA All-Star.

After retiring as a player in 1961, Sharman transitioned into coaching, where he continued to excel. He began his coaching career with the Cleveland Pipers in the American Basketball League (ABL), leading them to a championship in 1962. Sharman then moved to the NBA, where he coached the San Francisco Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers, among other teams.

His most notable coaching achievement came with the Lakers in the 1971-72 season. Under Sharman's leadership, the Lakers set an NBA record with a 33-game winning streak and went on to win the NBA Championship. This accomplishment solidified Sharman's reputation as an outstanding coach, and he was named NBA Coach of the Year for that season.

In addition to his NBA coaching career, Sharman also found success in the American Basketball Association (ABA), coaching the Utah Stars to a championship in 1971. His ability to adapt to different teams and leagues demonstrated his deep understanding of the game and his strategic acumen.

Sharman's influence on basketball extended beyond his playing and coaching career. He was instrumental in popularizing the morning shootaround, a practice that has become a staple in basketball preparation. His innovative approach to the game and his emphasis on discipline and fundamentals left a lasting legacy.

In recognition of his achievements, Sharman was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame twice: first as a player in 1976 and then as a coach in 2004. This rare dual honor underscores his exceptional contributions to the sport.

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