Tex Winter Hall of Fame NBA

Tex Winter was one of basketball’s most respected minds and a master teacher of the game. Best known as the architect and leading voice behind the Triangle Offense, Winter helped shape modern basketball strategy over several decades. His system emphasized spacing, reading defenses, and team-first play, becoming the foundation of championship teams with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers. Winter’s coaching career spanned college and professional basketball, including head coaching roles and long tenures as a trusted assistant.

While he was never a head coach on an NBA title team, his influence was undeniable, guiding players like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal within a disciplined offensive structure. Revered for his preparation, teaching ability, and attention to detail, Winter left a lasting mark on how the game is taught and played. His contributions were formally recognized with induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011.

Winter's Awards and Honors

• 2 NCAA Regional – Final Four (1959, 1964)
• 8× Big Seven/Big Eight regular season (1956, 1958–1961, 1963, 1964, 1968)
• UPI College Basketball Coach of the Year (1958)
• 3× Big Eight Conference Coach of the Year (1958–1960)
• 9× NBA champion-as asst. coach (1991–1993, 1996–1998, 2000–2002)
• Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award (2010)
• National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame (2010)

NBA Teams

Houston Rockets (1971–1973)
Chicago Bulls (assistant) (1985–1999)
Los Angeles Lakers (assistant) (1999–2004)