Lenny Wilkens, a legendary figure in basketball, passed away on Sunday at the age of 88. The former star of the St. Louis Hawks and Seattle SuperSonics leaves behind a profound legacy as both a Hall of Fame player and coach. According to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Wilkens represented “the very best of the NBA,” being honored as one of the league’s 75 greatest players and 15 greatest coaches.
Born in Brooklyn and raised in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Wilkens developed his skills at Providence College, where he was named an All-American twice. He was selected as the sixth overall pick in the 1960 NBA Draft by the Hawks. During his early career, he quickly made a name for himself, earning three consecutive All-Star appearances from 1963 to 1965.
In 1968, Wilkens was traded to the SuperSonics, where he enjoyed some of the best years of his career. He led the league in assists in 1970 and was named the All-Star Game MVP in 1971. His final four years as a player in Seattle included a stint as a player-coach, which paved the way for his transition into a full-time coaching role.
Wilkens achieved remarkable success as a coach, culminating in leading the SuperSonics to their first championship in 1979. His coaching tenure spanned several decades and included high-profile teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks. He was named Coach of the Year in 1994 and coached the U.S. men’s national basketball team to gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. By the time he retired, Wilkens held the record as the winningest coach in NBA history.
As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from across the basketball community. Former players and coaches expressed their admiration for Wilkens, highlighting not just his accomplishments on the court but also his character off it. Steve Kerr, who played under Wilkens in Cleveland, described him as “an unbelievable man” and an “incredible man.”
Wilkens is survived by his wife, Marilyn, three children—Leesha, Randy, and Jamee—and seven grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond basketball, remembered as a person who believed in the potential of others both on and off the court.
The city of Seattle and the entire basketball community mourn his loss, recognizing that they have lost not only a sports icon but also a genuine advocate for people. The impact of Lenny Wilkens will resonate for years to come, as his contributions to the game and his community continue to inspire future generations.
