Mike Fratello is a former professional basketball player and coach who had a successful career in the sport. He began his career as a player in the early 1970s, playing for the Brooklyn Nets in the American Basketball Association (ABA) and later for the Atlanta Hawks in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
After retiring as a player, Fratello began his coaching career as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks in 1978. He was promoted to head coach in 1983 and led the team to four consecutive playoff appearances. In 1986, he was named NBA Coach of the Year.
Fratello went on to coach several other NBA teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Memphis Grizzlies, and the New Jersey Nets. He also coached the Ukrainian national basketball team and served as a television analyst for NBA games on TNT and NBA TV.
Throughout his career, Fratello was known for his defensive coaching style and his ability to get the most out of his players. He was also known for his colorful personality and his signature look, which included a slicked-back hairstyle and a sharp suit.
Fratello's coaching career was not without controversy, however. In 1995, he was fined $25,000 by the NBA for making critical comments about the officiating in a playoff game. He was also criticized for his coaching style, which some felt was too conservative and focused too heavily on defense.
Despite these criticisms, Fratello's career was a successful one. He won over 600 games as an NBA head coach and led his teams to the playoffs 11 times. He also coached several All-Star players, including Dominique Wilkins, LeBron James, and Pau Gasol.
In addition to his coaching career, Fratello has been involved in several charitable organizations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Children's Tumor Foundation. He has also written several books on basketball and has been a popular speaker at coaching clinics and other events.
Overall, Mike Fratello's basketball career was a long and successful one. He was known for his defensive coaching style, his ability to get the most out of his players, and his colorful personality. Despite some controversies along the way, he remains one of the most respected coaches in NBA history.
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