SEATTLE (AP) - Lenny Wilkens, a distinguished three-time inductee into the Basketball Hall of Fame, passed away at the age of 88, as confirmed by his family on Sunday. The family stated that Wilkens was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his death, although a cause has not yet been disclosed.
Wilkens was renowned for being one of the finest point guards of his era, later transitioning to coaching with equal success. He began his coaching career as a player-coach and went on to become one of the game's most respected figures. Over his career, he coached a total of 2,487 NBA games, setting a record that still stands. Wilkens was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a player, a coach, and as part of the 1992 U.S. Olympic team where he served as an assistant coach, contributing to the Americans' gold medal win in both the Atlanta Games and the 1996 Olympics.
From 2000 to 2003, Wilkens coached the Toronto Raptors. He made an immediate impact by leading the franchise to its first playoff series win during his inaugural season as head coach. In response to his passing, the Toronto Raptors expressed their sadness, acknowledging Wilkens’ significant role in shaping the foundation of the franchise.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver remarked on Wilkens' exemplary career, calling him a Hall of Fame player, an esteemed coach, and a respected ambassador of the game. Four years ago, he was recognized as one of the league's 75 greatest players and 15 greatest coaches of all time. Wilkens was a nine-time All-Star during his playing days and was the first coach in NBA history to achieve 1,000 wins. He is notable for being the second individual inducted into the Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach. Notably, he coached the Seattle SuperSonics to an NBA championship in 1979, remaining a legendary figure in Seattle, which continues to seek to reclaim a professional basketball team after the Sonics relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008.
Wilkens was renowned for his grace and calm demeanor, famously asserting, "Leaders don’t yell and scream." He was honored as the 1994 NBA Coach of the Year while with the Atlanta Hawks. Over his career, he retired with 1,332 victories, a record that was later surpassed by Don Nelson and Gregg Popovich.
During his playing career, which spanned 15 seasons, Wilkens showcased his talents with the St. Louis Hawks, Seattle SuperSonics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Portland Trail Blazers. He earned a total of five All-Star selections while with the St. Louis Hawks, three with Seattle, and one at age 35 with the Cavaliers in 1973. In June, a statue commemorating his contributions to the SuperSonics was unveiled outside Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.
Beyond his basketball achievements, Wilkens was dedicated to community service, particularly in Seattle, where a statue was erected in his honor. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver highlighted Wilkens' influence on countless young individuals and generations of players and coaches, who viewed him as not only a fantastic teammate and coach but also an extraordinary mentor characterized by integrity and class.
Throughout his career, Wilkens demonstrated impressive skills, twice leading the league in assists while also being a significant scorer. He consistently averaged double-digit scoring in every season, except for his last in 1974-75 with the Trail Blazers. His most notable season as a scorer was during his first season with the SuperSonics in 1968-69, when he averaged 22.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 6.2 rebounds.
Lenny Wilkens was born Leonard Wilkens on October 28, 1937, in New York City. His foundational basketball skills were developed on Brooklyn's playgrounds, and he later played at Boys High School, where he was teammates with future baseball star Tommy Davis. He went on to excel at Providence College and was selected by the St. Louis Hawks as the sixth overall pick in the 1960 NBA Draft.
