NBA Legend Lenny Wilkens of Seattle SuperSonics Dies at 88
NBA legend Lenny Wilkens, renowned as a former player and coach for the Seattle SuperSonics, has passed away at the age of 88. His family confirmed the news on Sunday.
Legacy of Lenny Wilkens
Wilkens was pivotal in the Seattle SuperSonics’ history, serving as the head coach when they clinched the NBA title in 1979. Originally from Brooklyn, he had an impressive 15-season playing career, contributing four of those years to the SuperSonics from 1968 to 1972. After transitioning from player to coach, he led the team for a total of 11 seasons, both as a player-coach and a head coach.
Honors and Achievements
Lenny Wilkens is revered as one of the few individuals inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame both as a player and a coach. His accolades include:
- Inducted as a player in 1989
- Inducted as a coach in 1998
- Awarded a third induction for his role as an assistant coach on the 1992 U.S. Olympic “Dream Team”
Wilkens also coached the U.S. team to gold medals at the 1996 Atlanta Games and continued to set records in coaching. He retired in 2005 with the most all-time wins, totaling 1,332, though he has since been surpassed. He holds the record for the most games coached in NBA history at 2,487.
Statistics and Recognition
During his playing career, Wilkens averaged:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Points per game | 16.5 |
| Assists per game | 6.7 |
| Rebounds per game | 4.7 |
| Steals per game | 1.3 |
He earned nine All-Star selections, with three occurring during his time with the SuperSonics. In 1994, Wilkens was also named NBA Coach of the Year during his first season with the Atlanta Hawks.
A Commitment to Community
After retiring, Wilkens resided in the Seattle area, actively running a foundation focused on community service. His primary benefactor was the Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic, located in Seattle’s Central District.
A monumental 700-pound statue of Wilkens, representing his time as a player, was erected outside Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena in June, making him the first person to receive such an honor.
Survived By
Lenny Wilkens is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and their children: Leesha, Randy, and Jamee, along with seven grandchildren.
Tributes from the NBA
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed his condolences, stating, “Lenny Wilkens represented the very best of the NBA.” He highlighted Wilkens’ contributions as both an extraordinary mentor and community leader.
Wilkens’ influence extended beyond basketball, impacting young lives in Seattle and shaping the next generation of players and coaches.
