Bob Weiss embarked on his basketball journey as a player before transitioning into a coaching career that spanned several decades. Born on May 7, 1942, in Easton, Pennsylvania, Weiss attended Penn State University, where he played college basketball and honed his skills on the court. His talent and hard work paid off when he was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1965 NBA Draft.
Weiss's professional playing career began with the 76ers, where he played as a guard. Over the course of his playing career, he also suited up for the Seattle SuperSonics, Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, and Buffalo Braves. Known for his steady play and basketball IQ, Weiss contributed to his teams in various roles, often coming off the bench to provide valuable minutes. His playing career in the NBA spanned ten seasons, concluding in 1974.
After retiring as a player, Weiss transitioned into coaching, where he found a new avenue to express his basketball acumen. He began his coaching career as an assistant with the San Diego Clippers, eventually moving on to serve in similar roles with other teams. His first opportunity as a head coach came with the San Antonio Spurs during the 1986-1987 season. Although his tenure with the Spurs was brief, it marked the beginning of a long coaching career in the NBA.
Weiss later took on head coaching roles with the Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Seattle SuperSonics. His time with the SuperSonics was particularly noteworthy, as he led the team during the 1994-1995 season. Despite facing challenges, Weiss's experience and understanding of the game were evident in his coaching style.
In addition to his head coaching positions, Weiss served as an assistant coach for several NBA teams, including the Orlando Magic, Denver Nuggets, and Charlotte Hornets. His extensive experience as both a player and coach allowed him to mentor younger players and contribute to the development of the teams he worked with.
Weiss's basketball career extended beyond the NBA, as he also coached internationally. He spent time coaching in China, where he continued to share his knowledge and love for the game with players in the Chinese Basketball Association.
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