Lenny Wilkens, the coach with the most games under his belt in NBA history, who secured a league title and earned three inductions into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, passed away at his residence on Sunday. He was 88 years of age.
Originally a celebrated player for the Hawks, SuperSonics, and Cavaliers, Wilkens proceeded to become the coach with the most wins (and losses) in NBA history at the time he retired. While Wilkens has overseen more contests than any other coach in NBA history, Greg Popovich and Don Nelson have since surpassed him in career victories.
“Lenny Wilkens embodied the finest qualities of the NBA – as a Hall of Fame player, a Hall of Fame coach, and one of the sport’s most esteemed figures,” stated NBA commissioner Adam Silver. “However, even more remarkable than Lenny’s achievements in basketball, which encompassed two Olympic gold medals and an NBA championship, was his dedication to service – notably within his cherished Seattle community, where a statue stands in his honor.
“He left a mark on the lives of numerous young individuals, as well as generations of players and coaches who regarded Lenny not just as a remarkable teammate or coach but also as an exceptional mentor who led with sincerity and genuine grace.”
Wilkens — who took on the role of player-coach for Seattle from 1969-72 — steered the SuperSonics to the franchise’s singular NBA championship in 1979. He was the coach of Team USA when the men’s basketball team clinched the gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, having previously served as an assistant on the renowned “Dream Team” that captured gold at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Wilkens, whose jersey No. 19 was retired by the Sonics, was initially inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989 in recognition of his 15-year playing career, which included nine All-Star selections and an All-Star Game MVP award in 1971. He earned spots on the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams.
The highlight of Wilkens’ coaching journey was Seattle’s triumph in a five-game series against the reigning champion Washington Bullets in the 1979 NBA Finals. The Sonics achieved redemption after being defeated by the Bullets in seven games during the 1978 NBA Finals.
Wilkens then continued his career with the Cavs, before securing NBA Coach of the Year accolades in 1994 following a 52-27 regular-season record for the Hawks. He concluded his career with brief coaching stints with the Raptors and Knicks, guiding both teams to the playoffs.
In 2021, Wilkens was recognized as one of the 15 greatest coaches in NBA history. He gained his second Hall of Fame induction for his coaching contributions in 1998 and his third in 2009 for his Olympic involvement.
A two-time All-American at Providence, Wilkens entered the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
