Del Harris
Inducted:
2022
Player Stats
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
205 lb (93 kg)
Born:
June 18, 1937
Dale, Indiana, U.S.
Position:
Forward
Vice president
College:
Milligan (1955–1959)
Del Harris is a revered figure in the NBA, known for his outstanding coaching career that spanned over three decades. A former player, Harris transitioned into coaching with success, becoming one of the league’s most respected mentors.
Harris served as head coach for the Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks, and Los Angeles Lakers. He’s perhaps best remembered for his time with the Lakers, where he helped develop future Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant.
Harris was also instrumental in bringing stability to the Rockets in the 1980s and early 1990s. His coaching style emphasized defense, discipline, and leadership, which earned him numerous accolades, including NBA Coach of the Year in 1995.
A respected figure in the NBA, his legacy lives on through his contributions to the sport, both as a coach and as a mentor to many.
Harris's Awards and Records
- NBA Coach of the Year (1995)
- 2× NBA All-Star Game Head Coach (1995, 2000)
- Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award (2020)
- Coach Wooden "Keys to Life" Award (2014)
- 3× Puerto Rican League champion (1973–1975)
- Coached the Los Angeles Lakers to the Western Conference Finals (1997)
- Known for his mentorship of Kobe Bryant and other young stars
- Implemented a defense-first mentality that helped reshape teams like the Lakers and Rockets
- Key contributor to the development of emerging talent during the 1980s and 1990s
NBA Teams
Utah Stars (assistant) 1975–1976
Houston Rockets (assistant) 1976–1979
Houston Rockets 1979–1983
Milwaukee Bucks (assistant) 1986–1987
Milwaukee Bucks 1987–1991
Los Angeles Lakers 1994–1999
Dallas Mavericks (assistant) 2000–2007
Chicago Bulls (assistant) 2008–2009
New Jersey Nets (assistant) 2009–2010
Texas Legends 2011–2012
Coaching Stats
NBA
Game Coached
1,013
Win
556
Lose
457
Win %
.549
D-League
Game Coached
50
Win
24
Lose
26
Win %
.480