Mike Woodson was born on March 24, 1958, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is best known for his career as a professional basketball player in the NBA, as well as his tenure as a head coach for the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks. Woodson played for 11 seasons in the NBA, where he gained a reputation as a talented and hardworking player.
Before his NBA career, Woodson attended Indiana University, where he played under the legendary coach Bobby Knight. During his time at Indiana, Woodson established himself as a standout player, showcasing his skills on the court and earning the respect of his teammates and coaches. His time at Indiana University was instrumental in shaping his future success in the NBA.
Woodson's NBA career began when he was selected by the New York Knicks as the 12th overall pick in the 1980 NBA Draft. He spent the early years of his career with the Knicks before being traded to the Kansas City Kings, where he truly hit his stride as a player. Woodson spent the majority of his NBA career with the Kings, making a significant impact on the team's success and earning recognition as one of the league's top players.
In addition to his time with the Kings, Woodson also had a successful stint with the Sacramento Kings, where he continued to showcase his skills and contribute to the team's success. Throughout his NBA career, Woodson was known for his strong defensive play, leadership abilities, and competitive spirit on the court.
After retiring as a player, Woodson transitioned into coaching, beginning his coaching career as an assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks. He later served as an assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons before being named the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks in 2004. During his time with the Hawks, Woodson guided the team to multiple playoff appearances and earned praise for his coaching acumen.
Woodson's coaching career later led him to the New York Knicks, where he served as the head coach from 2012 to 2014. During his tenure with the Knicks, Woodson continued to demonstrate his leadership abilities and coaching skills, despite facing challenges along the way. Throughout his coaching career, Woodson was known for his dedication to his players, his strategic approach to the game, and his commitment to success on and off the court.
Off the court, Woodson is a devoted family man, raising two daughters with his wife Terri. His dedication to his family mirrors his commitment to his basketball career, and he has always strived to be a positive role model for his children and a supportive husband to his wife.
Throughout his career, Woodson has been associated with some of the basketball greats, including playing alongside future Hall of Fame guard Isiah Thomas during his time at Indiana University. Woodson's impact on the game of basketball, both as a player and a coach, has left a lasting legacy in the sport, and he continues to be respected and admired by fans and peers alike.