Former Pistons coach Butcher dies at 76

By foxsports
Published

DETROIT (AP) -- Donnie Butcher, who played five seasons in the NBA and later coached the Detroit Pistons, has died. He was 76.

The Pistons confirmed Butcher's death through a family member.

Butcher averaged 6.1 points in 279 games with the Pistons and New York Knicks. He became Detroit's coach late in the 1966-67 season, replacing player-coach Dave DeBusschere.

Butcher went 52-60 at the helm. His only full season as coach was 1967-68, and he lead Detroit to the postseason -- the team's only playoff appearance in a 10-season span.