Basketball Hall of Fame player and coach Lenny Wilkens has died at the age of 88, the league confirmed Sunday (November 9) night.
Wilkens was a nine-time All-Star, the 1970 NBA assists leader and the 1971 All-Star Game MVP during his playing career from 1960 to 1975 with the St. Louis Hawks (1960-68), Seattle SuperSonics (1968-72), Cleveland Cavaliers (1972-74) and Portland Trail Blazers (1974-75). The Brooklyn native went on to coach six NBA franchises — the Sonics (1969-1972; 1977-1985), Trail Blazers (1974-1976), the Cavaliers (1986-93), the Atlanta Hawks (1993-2000), the Toronto Raptors (2000-2003) and the New York Knicks (2004-05), having won the 1979 NBA championship, 1994 NBA Coach of the Year award and serving as an All-Star Game head coach four times in 1979, 1980, 1989 and 1994.
Wilkens retired as the NBA’s all-time winningest coach and currently ranks third all-time behind only fellow Hall of Famers Gregg Popovich and Don Nelson.
“Lenny Wilkens represented the very best of the NBA – as a Hall of Fame player, Hall of Fame coach, and one of the game’s most respected ambassadors. So much so that, four years ago, Lenny received the unique distinction of being named one of the league’s 75 greatest players and 15 greatest coaches of all time,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “But even more impressive than Lenny’s basketball accomplishments, which included two Olympic gold medals and an NBA championship, was his commitment to service – especially in his beloved community of Seattle where a statue stands in his honor. He influenced the lives of countless young people as well as generations of players and coaches who considered Lenny not only a great teammate or coach but also an extraordinary mentor who led with integrity and true class.
“I send my heartfelt condolences to Lenny’s wife, Marilyn; their children, Leesha, Randy and Jamee; and all those throughout the NBA community who were fortunate to be touched by Lenny’s leadership and generosity.”
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