Chuck Daly

It was with the Detroit Pistons (beginning in 1983 and running through 1992) that Daly achieved both success and notoriety. Although the Pistons had never before achieved back-to-back winning seasons, under Daly's leadership the team won three Eastern and Central Division titles, two World Championships, saw nine straight winning seasons, and scored five 50-plus wins between 1988 and 1990. Daly became the fifth NBA coach to achieve back-to-back NBA championships.

The Pistons racked up some impressive stats during Daly's stint as coach. In his first year, the Pistons participated in the highest scoring game in NBA history, winning the 186-184 triple-overtime game. The team's 1989 record of 63-19 was the best in the history of the franchise, followed in 1990 by a record of 59-23 that was second best in franchise history. The team's 25-1 streak in 1990 was the third best in NBA history. The Pistons were the top defensive team in 1990, holding opponents to 98.3 points per game and 47.7 field-goal percentage.

In 1992, Daly became coach of the New Jersey Nets. Although he served only two years, he led the team to the playoffs in both seasons, giving the Nets their best record since 1983.