NBA legend Lenny Wilkens dead at 88
Lenny Wilkens, a Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer as both player and coach, died Sunday at 88, the NBA confirmed.
Wilkens played 15 NBA seasons, earning nine All-Star selections and twice leading the league in assists. He later coached for 32 years, including 11 seasons with the Seattle SuperSonics (1969–1985), guiding them to the 1979 NBA Championship.
One of only five people inducted into the Hall of Fame as both player and coach, Wilkens was also named among the NBA’s 75 greatest players and 15 greatest coaches.
“Lenny Wilkens represented the very best of the NBA,” Commissioner Adam Silver said.
Tributes poured in from around the league. Golden State coach Steve Kerr called him “an incredible man,” while Indiana’s Rick Carlisle said, “Without him, I’m not here.” The Atlanta Hawks added, “He was an innovator, a trailblazer, a winner and a leader… always carrying himself with calm dignity and grace.”