Butch Beard is a former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 9 seasons. He was born on May 4, 1947, in Hardinsburg, Kentucky, and attended Breckinridge County High School. He then went on to play college basketball at the University of Louisville, where he was a standout player.
Beard was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the 1969 NBA draft. He played for the Hawks for two seasons before being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He played for the Cavaliers for two seasons before being traded to the Seattle SuperSonics. He played for the SuperSonics for two seasons before being traded to the Golden State Warriors. He played for the Warriors for two seasons before being traded to the New York Knicks. He played for the Knicks for one season before retiring from the NBA.
During his NBA career, Beard was known for his defensive skills and his ability to distribute the ball. He was a solid point guard who could score when needed, but his primary focus was on setting up his teammates for easy baskets. He was also a tenacious defender who could shut down opposing guards.
After retiring from the NBA, Beard went on to coach at various levels. He coached at the high school level, the college level, and the professional level. He was an assistant coach for the New Jersey Nets, the Orlando Magic, and the Detroit Pistons. He also served as the head coach for the New Jersey Nets and the Howard University men's basketball team.
In addition to his coaching career, Beard has also been involved in various business ventures. He has owned several restaurants and has been involved in real estate development. He has also been active in community service, working with various organizations to help underprivileged youth.
Overall, Butch Beard had a successful basketball career both as a player and a coach. He was a solid point guard who played for several NBA teams and was known for his defensive skills and his ability to distribute the ball. He went on to have a successful coaching career at various levels and has been involved in various business ventures and community service projects.
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