Sonic legend Lenny Wilkens has died at 88

ByNBAUSA



The basketball community received some sad news on Sunday after NBA legend Lenny Wilkens passed away. He was 88 years old.

Wilkens’ family announced the sad development but did not immediately reveal the cause of death.

Wilkens, a three-time Hall of Famer, is one of the most respected and influential figures in the NBA. Known for his vision, intelligence and leadership, his career was marked by success and longevity.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Wilkens first starred at Providence College, where he became an All-American. He was selected sixth overall by the St. Louis Hawks in 1960 and quickly became one of the best point guards in the NBA. He also played for the Seattle SupersonicsCleveland Cavaliers and Portland Trail Blazers.

He was a nine-time All-Star, All-Star Game MVP and a member of the NBA’s 50 Best Players. He had career averages of 16.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.3 steals.

But what really set Wilkens apart was his coaching career. He started as a player-coach for the Supersonics from 1969 to 1972 before becoming a full-time job after retiring as a player.

His defining moment came in 1979, when he led the Supersonics to their first and only championship. The feat reflected Wilkens’ philosophy: Win with discipline and unselfishness.

Following announcement of his deathThe Sonics paid tribute to Wilkens on X.

“Seattle didn’t just lose a basketball icon. We lost a man who believed in people – on the court and in the community,” the post reads. “Thank you, Lenny Wilkens, for all you have given to this city.”

Wilkens also called the shots for the Trail Blazers, Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks. When he retired after 35 years, he was the NBA’s winningest coach with 1,332 career wins – a record that stood for many years.

He was named Coach of the Year in 1994 while at the Hawks.





2025-11-10 02:13:00

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