Johnny Egan's journey in professional basketball began when he was selected by the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the 1961 NBA Draft. Standing at 5 feet 11 inches, Egan was considered undersized for a guard, but he quickly demonstrated his skills on the court. His career spanned over a decade, during which he played for several teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Egan's early years in the league were spent with the Pistons, where he played for two seasons. His time in Detroit allowed him to develop his game and gain valuable experience. In 1963, he was traded to the New York Knicks, where he continued to hone his skills as a point guard. Egan's tenure with the Knicks lasted three seasons, during which he became known for his quickness and ability to manage the game effectively.
In 1966, Egan joined the Baltimore Bullets, further expanding his experience in the NBA. His role as a point guard was crucial in orchestrating the team's offense and providing leadership on the court. Egan's time with the Bullets was marked by consistent performances, and he became a reliable player for the team.
The next chapter of Egan's career unfolded when he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1968. Playing alongside legendary figures such as Jerry West and Elgin Baylor, Egan contributed to the team's success during his two seasons in Los Angeles. His ability to distribute the ball and maintain control of the game was an asset to the Lakers' backcourt.
In 1970, Egan moved to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he played for one season. His experience and leadership were valuable to the young franchise, which was still in its early years in the NBA. Egan's final stop as a player came with the San Diego / Houston Rockets, where he played from 1971 to 1972. His veteran presence helped guide the team through challenging seasons.
After retiring as a player, Egan transitioned to coaching, taking on the role of head coach for the Houston Rockets. He served as the team's coach from 1973 to 1976, bringing his extensive knowledge of the game to the sidelines. Egan's coaching career was marked by his ability to connect with players and his strategic understanding of basketball.
Throughout his career, Johnny Egan was known for his leadership and basketball IQ.
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