Former Utah Jazz Coach and General Manager Frank Ladon died on Wednesday. He was 93 years old.
Ladon coached Jazz for the seven-plus season (1981–89) and also served in the front office as General Manager and Chairman until retired in the last week of 1999. He was an executive of the NBA Coach of the Year and NBA in 1984.
Ladon laid the foundation for success for Utah by Point Guard John Stockton 16th Drafting in the 1984 draft and Carl Malon in the 1985 draft Power forward in 13th position. The two players enjoyed the hall of fame career and Jazz reached the NBA final in both 1997 and 1998, keeping a streak of 20 straight playoffs.
Jazz owners said, “We are saddened to hear the news of Frank Leadon’s death.” “Frank was not only a founding part of Utah Jazz, it was a column in our community. We would continue to celebrate their passion and energy, which helped Jazz make it in a competitive team, and his sense of humor.
“Frank’s love for the game was contagious. He could often be found spending a night in Ballpark with Salt Lake Beez, who used to take us to the song during the 7th innings. He was a dear friend and remarkable companion. We shared our love with Barbara, Scott and Extended Leden family.”
Ladon was hired in 1979 as GM of New Orleans Jazz and stuck with a franchise during Utah’s move. He compiled 277–294 coaching records and directed Jazz to five direct postson showw a direct.
When he resigned as a coach at the beginning of the 1988-89 season, Ladon promoted Jerry Slone, who won 1,127 games with Utah.
Leadon also had a short term with WNBA’s Utah Stars. He resigned from four matches in the 1999 season, in his second place.
His other stops had Niagra coaches since 1968–76. Future NBA star Calvin Murphy led the school to the presence of its first NCAA tournament in the second season of Leden. Leaden left 119–97 in Niagra.
In 2019, Leden was the winner of the Chak Deli Lifetime Achievement Award that year.
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