George Lee
San Francisco Warriors Head Coach | Warriors Assistant Coach | Former NBA Player
George Lee was born on November 23, 1936, in Highland Park, Michigan. He played at the University of Michigan and later spent several seasons as an NBA guard-forward.
Lee joined the San Francisco Warriors coaching staff as an assistant in the 1964-1965 season and remained in that role through 1967-1968.
The Warriors promoted him to head coach in May 1968. He coached the entire 1968-1969 season and part of 1969-1970, finishing 63-71 in 134 regular-season games.
His 1968-1969 Warriors reached the Western Division Semifinals, losing to the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Overall Coaching Record: 63-71
Coaching Career
Lee spent four seasons as a Warriors assistant, working with the team as it transitioned between head coaches Alex Hannum and Bill Sharman.
San Francisco reached the NBA Finals in 1967, losing to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Notable Players Coached
- Nate Thurmond
- Hall of Fame center; seven-time NBA All-Star
- Rick Barry
- Hall of Fame forward; 1975 NBA champion
- Al Attles
- Longtime Warriors guard and future championship coach
The Warriors named Lee head coach on May 14, 1968. In 1968-1969, he guided the club to a 41-41 record and a playoff berth.
San Francisco lost its opening playoff series to the Lakers in six games. Lee returned for 1969-1970 but started 22-30 over 52 games.
Lee was dismissed on January 27, 1970, and Al Attles succeeded him. Lee's combined head-coaching record was 63-71.
Notable Players Coached
- Nate Thurmond
- Hall of Fame center; elite rebounder
- Jeff Mullins
- Three-time NBA All-Star
- Rudy LaRusso
- Five-time NBA All-Star
- Al Attles
- Future 1975 NBA champion as head coach