Lenny Wilkens, a legendary figure in basketball, passed away on Sunday at the age of 88. He left a remarkable legacy as both a player and a coach in the NBA.
Wilkens shone as a player during his 15-year career. He was a nine-time All-Star and led the league in assists twice. Known for his great understanding of the game, he became a player-coach for the Seattle SuperSonics and the Portland Trail Blazers before fully transitioning to coaching. His coaching career included leading the SuperSonics to their sole NBA title in 1979 and earning the Coach of the Year award in 1994.
With 1,332 coaching wins, Wilkens ranks third all-time. His total of 2,487 games coached is a record that still stands today. He also guided the U.S. Olympic team to a gold medal in 1996.
Wilkens is among just five individuals inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach, a testament to his impact on the sport. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised him as one of the league’s greatest ambassadors.
Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, Wilkens faced challenges early in life. His father passed away when he was just five, and his mother worked hard to support the family. He didn’t even join his high school basketball team until his senior year, but his parish priest recognized his potential and helped him secure a scholarship at Providence College. There, he became a two-time All-American and led the team to significant successes.
In the 1960 NBA Draft, the St. Louis Hawks selected him in the first round. Despite a military commitment that limited him to 20 games in his second season, he quickly made a name for himself. He played a vital role in leading the Hawks to multiple playoff appearances.
Wilkens was traded to the SuperSonics in 1968, where he had an impressive debut season. He transitioned to player-coach and saw success, guiding the team to a winning season for the first time.
After a brief stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Trail Blazers, he returned to the SuperSonics and took them to the NBA Finals twice. His leadership was crucial in their championship run in 1979, where they defeated the Washington Bullets.
Reflecting on his coaching philosophy, Wilkens once said, “It’s important to surround a star with the right players.” His ability to integrate talent and foster teamwork contributed to his teams consistently performing well, even without superstars.
Despite retiring in 2005, Wilkens maintained a strong presence in the basketball community. He directed the NBA Coaches Association for 17 years and founded the Lenny Wilkens Foundation, which has raised significant funds for various causes.
Wilkens is remembered not just for his wins, but for his honest, no-frills approach to the game. His journey and achievements serve as an inspiration, especially for young players who see him as a role model. As more youngsters dream of professional basketball careers, Wilkens’s story highlights the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and staying grounded no matter the challenges faced.
For more about his incredible journey in basketball, check out the official NBA tribute here.
