Ex-Knick GM Donovan Dies at 78
Eddie Donovan, the general manager who helped build the New York Knicks’ two championship teams in the 1970s, has died. He was 78.
Donovan died Saturday from complications of a stroke, his family said. The Knicks held a moment of silence before Sunday’s game against the Indiana Pacers.
“Eddie was a great basketball guy, had a great feeling for the game,” said Laker Coach Phil Jackson, who was drafted by Donovan with the Knicks.
Donovan was general manager of the Knicks from 1963-70, acquiring Willis Reed, Bill Bradley, Walt Frazier, Dave DeBusschere, Cazzie Russell and Jackson.
Donovan also coached the Knicks for four seasons, going 84-194. His .302 winning percentage is the worst of the 18 coaches in Knicks history.
His most famous game came March 2, 1962, in his first season. Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in the Philadelphia Warriors’ 169-147 victory.
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