Mike Woodson's journey in the world of basketball began as a player before transitioning into a coaching career that spanned several decades. Born on March 24, 1958, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Woodson first gained attention as a standout player at Broad Ripple High School. His talent on the court earned him a scholarship to Indiana University, where he played under the legendary coach Bob Knight. During his college career, Woodson was known for his scoring ability and leadership, helping the Hoosiers secure a Big Ten title in 1979.
After a successful college career, Woodson entered the 1980 NBA Draft and was selected by the New York Knicks as the 12th overall pick. His professional playing career in the NBA spanned over a decade, during which he played for several teams, including the New Jersey Nets, Kansas City/Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Known for his scoring prowess, Woodson averaged double figures in points for most of his career, with his best season coming in 1982-83 when he averaged 18.2 points per game with the Kansas City Kings.
Transitioning from player to coach, Woodson began his coaching career as an assistant with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1996. He later served as an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Detroit Pistons. His time with the Pistons was particularly noteworthy, as he was part of the coaching staff that led the team to an NBA Championship in 2004.
In 2004, Woodson took on the role of head coach for the Atlanta Hawks. Under his leadership, the Hawks saw a steady improvement, culminating in three consecutive playoff appearances from 2008 to 2010. Woodson's ability to develop young talent and implement a strong defensive strategy were key factors in the Hawks' resurgence during his tenure.
After his time with the Hawks, Woodson joined the New York Knicks as an assistant coach in 2011. He was promoted to interim head coach in March 2012 and later became the full-time head coach. During the 2012-13 season, Woodson guided the Knicks to their first Atlantic Division title since 1994 and a second-round playoff appearance. His tenure with the Knicks ended in 2014, but his impact on the team was evident in their improved performance during his leadership.
Following his stint with the Knicks, Woodson returned to an assistant coaching role with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he worked under head coach Doc Rivers. His experience and knowledge of the game continued to be valuable assets in his coaching roles.
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