George Karl (Did Ya Know?)

Well, this segment of “Did Ya Know?” is on none other than our current Denver Nuggets coach… Mr. George Karl.

George was born in Penn Hills Pittsburgh, PA. on May 12th, 1951. After his college days at the University of North Carolina, George started his basketball career with the ABA San Antonio Spurs in 1973. After his playing days, he moved on and became an assistant coach with the Spurs.

The wonderful photo you see was obtained from the great site “Remember the ABA”. Give them a look if you haven’t been there… or even if you have.

So lets get started with some GK info…

• George was drafted in the 4th round, 14th pick by the ABA Knicks before signing with the Spurs.
• Karl moved on from assistant coach of the ABA Spurs to Head Coach of the Montana Golden Nuggets. (There is some irony there somewhere.)
• George won CBA “Coach of the Year” in 1981 and again in 1983.
• In 1984 George became Head Coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was fired in 1986.
• After another Head Coach job, this time with Golden State, George went back to the CBA with the Albany Patroons again winning a CBA “Coach of the Year” award.
• His middle name is Matthew.
• On January 27th, 2005 George became the 19th Coach in Nuggets history.
• On December 28th, 2006 George became only the 12th NBA Coach to reach the 800 win mark… doing so by defeating his old team the Sonics.

George Karl, Head Coach of the Denver Nuggets.