Tex Winter, Ex-Chicago Bulls Assistant Coach, Dies: Michael Jordan, Basketball Community React

Former Chicago Bulls assistant coach Fred "Tex" Winter died Wednesday in Manhattan, New York. He was 96.

The #Bulls are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Tex Winter.

Read more on the statement from Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, John Paxson: https://t.co/v0iJm98IL3 pic.twitter.com/tT4W6NjyVd
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 11, 2018

Born in 1922 near Wellington, Texas, Winter started as an assistant coach at Kansas State in 1947 before becoming the youngest coach in major college basketball at 30 when he joined Marquette. He would then return to Kansas State as their head coach where he led the side to two Final Four appearances during a 15-year tenure.

He would then make the transition to the NBA in 1971 where he was the head coach of the Houston Rockets for two years. He would return to college basketball as a head coach before becoming the assistant coach of the Bulls under head coach Phil Jackson in 1985.

It was there that he deployed his famed triple-post offense system, which he had earlier published in a book in 1961, to devastating effect as it contributed to the Michael Jordan-led Bulls winning two threepeats from 1991 to 1993 and 1996 to 1998.

"Tex Winter was a basketball legend and perhaps the finest fundamental teacher in the history of our game," Chicago Bulls Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations John Paxson said in a statement. "He was an innovator who had high standards for how basketball should be played and approached everyday."

"Those of us who were lucky enough to play for him will always respect his devotion to the game of basketball. His contributions to the Bulls organization will always be remembered," he added.

Winter would follow Jackson to the Lakers in 1999 where his triple-post offense system again reaped rewards, as the Los Angeles franchise would win their own threepeat from 2000 to 2002 during the days of Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. He retired in 2008.

A graduate of the University of Southern California, Winter was inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, while he was also awarded the John Bunn Award for lifetime achievement before being elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011.

A legend of the game, many from the basketball community including Jordan, Bryant, Scottie Pippen and more all mourned Winter's death.

In an emailed statement to the Tribune, Michael Jordan on Tex Winter: "I learned so much from Coach Winter. He was a pioneer and a true student of the game. His triangle offense was a huge part of our six championships with the Bulls. He was a tireless worker (cont.)
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) October 11, 2018

Michael Jordan on Tex Winter: "Tex was always focused on details and preparation and a great teacher. I was lucky to play for him. My condolences to his family."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) October 11, 2018

My mentor. I sat with Tex & watched every minute of every game during our 1st season together. He taught me how to study every detail. He was a bball genius in every sense of the word. I’ll miss him deeply. Thank you Tex. I wouldn’t be where I am today without you. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/qgjPgP7K95
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) October 11, 2018

Tex Winter was my biggest critic. He was also my biggest fan. A few words about the legendary coach who lived his 96 years as well as anyone could have... pic.twitter.com/vOrS7UNkMS
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) October 11, 2018

So sad to hear the passing of one of the greatest offensive minds in basketball history my mentor and former coach Tex Winter. He never got the credit he deserved for those Bulls championship teams but every player on those teams knew how important he was! Rest In Peace Tex🙏🏾
— Stacey King (@Stacey21King) October 11, 2018

Rest In Peace Tex Winter. A cosmic mind and heart, a visionary who helped grow the game of basketball into one of my favorite things, into a vehicle for human potential to express itself. That was such a satisfying feeling when he was a @Lakers sitting there on the bench. Bless.
— Flea (@flea333) October 11, 2018

We are saddened by the passing of such a legendary coach in Tex Winter, who touched nearly every level of basketball. He left a tremendous mark of achievement at K-State. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Nancy, their children and grandchildren. https://t.co/ypFqGipmZp
— Bruce Weber (@coachbruceweber) October 11, 2018

RIP to one of basketball’s greatest minds, Tex Winter. An innovator and pioneer of the Triple Post Offense, few knew the game as well as this Hall of Famer. pic.twitter.com/ghIY2GfYq5
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) October 11, 2018

Wow! RIP to Coach Tex Winter. One of my greatest joys in coaching was running practice and having Coach Winter there watching. #Legend #TriangleOffense https://t.co/ZbpIpLI2EA
— Frank Martin (@coachFMartin) October 11, 2018

Just learned the sad news that Tex Winter has passed away. My condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.
— Patrick Ewing (@CoachEwing33) October 11, 2018

"Everything turns on a trifle" --Tex Winter

One of the most elegant truisms in basketball said by one of the game's great minds. RIP Tex.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) October 11, 2018