Mike Woodson is a former professional basketball player and coach who has had a successful career in the sport. He played college basketball at Indiana University, where he was a member of the 1976 NCAA championship team. After college, Woodson was drafted by the New York Knicks in the first round of the 1980 NBA draft.
Woodson played in the NBA for 11 seasons, spending time with the Knicks, Kansas City Kings, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, and Cleveland Cavaliers. He was known for his defensive skills and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 1982.
After retiring from playing, Woodson began his coaching career as an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks in 1996. He went on to serve as an assistant coach for several other NBA teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Detroit Pistons.
In 2004, Woodson was hired as the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks. He led the team to the playoffs in three consecutive seasons from 2008 to 2010, including a trip to the second round in 2008. Woodson was fired by the Hawks in 2010 and went on to serve as an assistant coach for the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers.
In 2012, Woodson was named the head coach of the Knicks. He led the team to the playoffs in his first season and won the Atlantic Division title in his second season. However, the team struggled in his third season and Woodson was fired in 2014.
Throughout his career, Woodson has been known for his defensive coaching and his ability to develop young players. He has also been praised for his leadership and his ability to motivate his teams.
In addition to his coaching career, Woodson has also been involved in various charitable organizations. He has worked with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and the Special Olympics.
Overall, Mike Woodson has had a successful career in basketball as both a player and a coach. He has been recognized for his defensive skills and his ability to develop young players, and has been praised for his leadership and his charitable work.
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