Don Chaney's journey in professional basketball began when he was selected by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 1968 NBA Draft. A guard known for his defensive prowess, Chaney quickly became an integral part of the Celtics' lineup. His tenure with the team coincided with a period of transition, as the Celtics were moving from the era of Bill Russell to a new generation of players. Chaney's defensive skills were instrumental in helping the Celtics maintain their competitive edge during this time.

Chaney's career with the Celtics was marked by two NBA Championships, in 1969 and 1974. His ability to guard multiple positions made him a valuable asset on the court. In addition to his defensive capabilities, Chaney was also known for his athleticism and ability to contribute offensively when needed. His time with the Celtics was briefly interrupted when he played for the Spirits of St. Louis in the American Basketball Association (ABA) during the 1975-76 season. However, he returned to the NBA shortly thereafter, joining the Los Angeles Lakers for a season before making his way back to the Celtics.

After his playing days concluded in 1979, Chaney transitioned into coaching. He began his coaching career as an assistant with the Detroit Pistons, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience. His first head coaching opportunity came with the Los Angeles Clippers in 1984. Although his tenure with the Clippers was challenging, it provided him with the experience needed to further his coaching career.

Chaney later served as the head coach for the Houston Rockets from 1988 to 1992. During his time with the Rockets, he was named NBA Coach of the Year in 1991, a testament to his ability to lead and develop a team. Following his stint with the Rockets, Chaney took on the role of head coach for the Detroit Pistons from 1993 to 1995. His final head coaching position was with the New York Knicks, where he served from 2001 to 2004.

Throughout his coaching career, Chaney was known for his emphasis on defense and his ability to connect with players.

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