The basketball community received unfortunate news on Sunday after NBA legend Lenny Wilkens passed away at the age of 88. Wilkens’ family announced the sad development but did not immediately disclose the cause of death.

A three-time inductee to the Hall of Fame, Wilkens stands as one of the most respected and influential figures in NBA history. Known for his vision, intelligence, and leadership, his career was marked by both success and longevity.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Wilkens first made a name for himself at Providence College, where he became an All-American. In 1960, he was drafted as the sixth overall pick by the St. Louis Hawks and quickly established himself as one of the NBA’s premier point guards. Over his playing career, he also suited up for the Seattle Supersonics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Portland Trail Blazers.

Wilkens was a nine-time All-Star, an All-Star Game MVP, and a member of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players. He finished his playing career with impressive averages of 16.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.

However, what truly set Wilkens apart was his legendary coaching career. He began as a player-coach for the Seattle Supersonics from 1969 to 1972 before transitioning to a full-time coaching role after retiring as a player. His defining moment came in 1979 when he guided the Supersonics to their first and only NBA championship, exemplifying his philosophy of winning with discipline and selflessness.

A statement reflecting the community’s respect read: “Seattle didn’t just lose a basketball icon. We lost a man who believed in people—on the court and in the community. Thank you, Lenny Wilkens, for everything you gave this city.”

Wilkens also served as head coach for several other teams, including the Portland Trail Blazers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, and New York Knicks. When he retired after 35 years, he held the record as the NBA’s winningest coach with 1,332 career victories—a milestone that stood for many years. In 1994, he was named Coach of the Year during his tenure with the Hawks.

Lenny Wilkens leaves behind a lasting legacy as both a remarkable player and one of the greatest coaches in NBA history. His impact on the game and the communities he touched will be remembered for generations to come.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/nba-news-lenny-wilkens-sonics-legend-passes-away-88