Lenny Wilkens, a basketball legend from Brooklyn, passed away at 88. He was a remarkable figure in the sport, celebrated as both a player and a coach.
Wilkens had an impressive 15-year playing career. After being drafted sixth overall from Providence College in 1960, he became a nine-time NBA All-Star. He played for teams like the St. Louis Hawks, Seattle SuperSonics, and the Cleveland Cavaliers before ending his playing days with the Portland Trail Blazers in 1975.
Once he stepped off the court, Wilkens didn’t leave basketball behind. He became a player-coach in Seattle, then fully transitioned to coaching in the 1975-76 season. His greatest achievement came when he led the SuperSonics to their only NBA title in 1979.
Wilkens didn’t stop there. He also coached the Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, and eventually returned to his roots with the New York Knicks. In 2004, he guided the Knicks to the playoffs, though he left the team a season later after a challenging start.
The Knicks released a heartfelt statement after his passing, highlighting not just his basketball accomplishments but also his impact on the community.
Interestingly, Wilkens’ journey to greatness wasn’t always clear-cut. He almost didn’t pursue basketball seriously at first, focusing on baseball during high school. However, he found his passion in basketball and played for Providence, leading them to the NIT finals in 1960.
Over his coaching career, Wilkens amassed 1,332 wins, a record that stood for years. When he broke Red Auerbach’s record, he paid tribute with a cigar, a symbolic gesture, considering he had never smoked before.
Wilkens is now third on the all-time coaching wins list, behind Don Nelson and Gregg Popovich. He’s one of the few individuals inducted into the Hall of Fame as both a player and coach. Additionally, he led Team USA to a gold medal at the 1996 Olympics.
Fans and players alike remember Wilkens as a dedicated ambassador for basketball. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver noted his contributions, stating he represented the very best of the league.
Wilkens’ legacy in basketball is profound. It’s not just about the wins or accolades; it’s about the lives he influenced and the respect he earned both on and off the court.
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