Former Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Fred "Tex" Winter died on Wednesday at the age of 96, the Bulls organization has confirmed. Winter is best known for being considered the architect of the famed "triangle offense," which led both the Bulls and Lakers to multiple championships under head coach Phil Jackson.
Bulls executive vice president John Paxson issued the following statement on the Bulls' behalf:
"Tex Winter was a basketball legend and perhaps the finest fundamental teacher in the history of our game. He was an innovator who had high standards for how basketball should be played and approached everyday. Those of us who were lucky enough to play for him will always respect his devotion to the game of basketball. His contributions to the Bulls organization will always be remembered."
The Chicago Sun-Times listed the highlights of Winter's accomplished career:
Winter was elected into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011, and did so with a trophy case full of hardware, winning nine NBA championships during his tenure with the Bulls and then the Lakers.
Hired by the Houston Rockets as their head coach in 1971, Winter was in and out of the league for the next 20-plus years, with coaching stints at Northwestern and Long Beach State.
He was all set to retire prior to the 1985 season, but then-Bulls general manager Jerry Krause talked him into joining the coaching staff as an assistant, and bringing along his triangle offense.
After hearing the news, members of the basketball community offered their memories and condolences.
Tex Winter was a giant influence on coaching and coaches for generations, and a very humble man when he got to the Bulls and Michael Jordan. RIP. https://t.co/A9oMAYZLq8
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) October 11, 2018
"Everything turns on a trifle" --Tex Winter
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) October 11, 2018
One of the most elegant truisms in basketball said by one of the game's great minds. RIP Tex.
Just learned the sad news that Tex Winter has passed away. My condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.
— Patrick Ewing (@CoachEwing33) October 11, 2018
It is with great sadness to learn of the passing of legendary #KStateMBB head coach Fred "Tex" Winter. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Winter family. pic.twitter.com/DA0QUYkjRK
— K-State Athletics (@kstatesports) October 11, 2018
Wow! RIP to Coach Tex Winter. One of my greatest joys in coaching was running practice and having Coach Winter there watching. #Legend #TriangleOffense https://t.co/ZbpIpLI2EA
— Frank Martin (@FrankMartin_SC) October 11, 2018