Eddie Jordan's journey in the world of basketball began as a player before transitioning into coaching, where he spent several decades influencing the game. Born on January 29, 1955, in Washington, D.C., Jordan attended Rutgers University, where he played college basketball and led his team to the NCAA Final Four in 1976. His performance at Rutgers caught the attention of the NBA, and he was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of the 1977 NBA Draft.
Jordan's playing career in the NBA spanned seven seasons, during which he played for several teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, New Jersey Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Portland Trail Blazers. Known for his defensive skills, Jordan was particularly adept at stealing the ball, leading the league in steals during the 1978-79 season. His time with the Lakers was marked by winning an NBA Championship in 1982, a highlight of his playing career.
After retiring as a player, Jordan transitioned into coaching, where he found a new avenue to influence the game. He began as an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics in 1988, gaining valuable experience under head coach Jimmy Rodgers. His coaching career continued to develop as he took on assistant roles with the Sacramento Kings and the New Jersey Nets. During his time with the Nets, he was part of the coaching staff that led the team to two consecutive NBA Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003.
In 2003, Jordan was appointed as the head coach of the Washington Wizards. Under his leadership, the Wizards made four consecutive playoff appearances from 2005 to 2008, a period that saw the team become a competitive force in the Eastern Conference. Jordan's coaching style emphasized a fast-paced offense, which was well-suited to the talents of players like Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison.
Jordan's tenure with the Wizards ended in 2008, but he continued his coaching career with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he served as head coach for the 2009-2010 season. Although his time with the 76ers was brief, Jordan's influence on the game extended beyond his head coaching roles. He later returned to his alma mater, Rutgers University, as the head coach of the men's basketball team from 2013 to 2016, bringing his career full circle.
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