SAN FRANCISCO — Mike Fratello was awarded everything, from Emmy awards to big games. He was also respected by his peers.
Sunday’s announcement by the National Basketball Coaches Association made Fratello the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award recipient for this year. Fratello is now the 17th recipient of the award that was established in 2009.
Fratello has been involved with the NBA since the 1970s in various capacities, including assistant coach and head coach. Parts of 17 seasons he was a head Coach. Atlanta, Cleveland MemphisShe won 667 regular-season and 20 playoff games, as well as an Emmy for best on-camera sport analyst in New York in 2015.
Fratello stated, “Chuck Daly is a very special man and a very special coach. This award is special.” “It means so very much to me because Chuck has been a mentor, close friend and a trusted confidant in my NBA coaching career and beyond. It’s an honor for me to be recognized by my peers who I admire and respect.
Rick Carlisle, president of NBCA, will present the award to Fratello. Indiana Pacers Later Sunday, before Game 2 in San Francisco.
Fratello was the NBA’s Coach of the Year in 1985-86 with the Hawks. He has also been successful at the international level. He is a former coach of Ukraine’s national teams and most recently coached USA Basketball at qualifying games that earned them a berth for the FIBA AmeriCup tournament, which will be held in September.
Fratello, who won the qualifying win, stated that she wanted to be a part of the United States’ progress and help them qualify for the next thing. It was very satisfying to me to be able to accomplish that. I love it when young men get together and form a team. They work together, play defense, pass the ball together, and then have success.
To recognize those who have “set a standard in integrity, competitive excellence, and tireless promotion of NBA Basketball,” the NBCA created the Daly award.
Past recipients include Larry Brown (2021), Del Harris (2500), Frank Layden (2019), Doug Moe (2018) and Al Attles (2017, Hubie Brown (2017). Jones and Jerry Sloan (2016). Dick Motta (2015). Bernie Layden (2020). Frank Layden (2019). Al Attles and Hubie Brown (2017). K.C.