Doug Moe, who passed away at 87, never played in the NBA and never reached the NBA Finals as a coach, yet his impact on the game remains significant. He achieved 628 career wins, influencing many coaches who followed him.
Doug Moe’s Career Beginnings in the ABA
Moe’s professional journey started late, at age 27, in Italy due to knee issues and a college incident. This incident involved accepting $75 from a gambler but refusing to fix games, which hindered his career for five years.
He joined the New Orleans Buccaneers in the American Basketball Association (ABA) and was selected for four All-Star teams in five seasons. Moe won a championship in 1969 with the Oakland Oaks.
After retiring in 1972, he became an assistant coach with Larry Brown for the Carolina Cougars and the Denver Nuggets. During their two seasons together, they posted an impressive record of 125-43, showcasing a dynamic offense.
Moe was known for his fast-paced, free-flowing offensive style. Following the ABA-NBA merger, he coached the San Antonio Spurs, consistently leading them to be one of the highest-scoring teams, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 1979.
Doug Moe’s Legacy with the Denver Nuggets
His most notable tenure was with the Denver Nuggets, who joined the NBA alongside the Spurs. Under Moe, the Nuggets played at a rapid pace, focusing on player movement and quick decisions rather than set plays.
With Moe’s guidance, Alex English became an eight-time All-Star, while Kiki Vandeweghe and Lafayette “Fat” Lever also earned All-Star nominations. The Nuggets were known for their high-scoring games, often due to their fast-paced style rather than strong defense.
Moe famously claimed he did not call plays, retorting that if no plays were being run, opposing coaches couldn’t diagram them. His approach predates modern fast-paced offenses, with many similarities to the current NBA style.
In Terry Pluto’s book “Loose Balls,” Moe noted that although the ABA merged into the NBA, the latter adopted the spirit and excitement of the former, from All-Star events to the camaraderie among players:
“Now the NBA is like the old ABA. Guys play hard, they show their enthusiasm and there is a closeness in the league. Hell, the ABA might have lost the battle, but we won the war. The NBA now plays our kind of basketball.”
Doug Moe’s passing is a loss for the NBA, but his legacy continues in the game today.