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Former Detroit Pistons player and coach Donnie Butcher died October 8th at the age of 76, according to his son, Denny, a basketball coach in Hartland.
Butcher was traded from the New York Knicks to the Pistons on Dec. 16, 1963, as part of a three-team, four-player deal. He would play with Detroit until 1966. During the '66-'67 season, he was named the Pistons' head coach, replacing player-coach Dave DeBusschere.
Butcher posted a 52-60 record over three seasons, leading the Pistons to a playoff berth in 1968.
Butcher was born and raised in Williamsport, Ky., and played college basketball at Pikeville College.
Butcher was traded from the New York Knicks to the Pistons on Dec. 16, 1963, as part of a three-team, four-player deal. He would play with Detroit until 1966. During the '66-'67 season, he was named the Pistons' head coach, replacing player-coach Dave DeBusschere.
Butcher posted a 52-60 record over three seasons, leading the Pistons to a playoff berth in 1968.
Butcher was born and raised in Williamsport, Ky., and played college basketball at Pikeville College.