NBA Hall of Famer Lenny Wilkens, Seattle Basketball Icon, Dies at 88
Legendary NBA Hall of Famer Lenny Wilkens, known as the "godfather of Seattle basketball" and a record-setting coach, has passed away at the age of 88.
Basketball Hall of Famer Lenny Wilkens dies at 88
Chicago Sun-Times
Overview
- Lenny Wilkens, a revered Hall of Famer and the "godfather of Seattle basketball," passed away at 88, leaving behind a profound legacy in the sport.
- Wilkens led the Seattle SuperSonics to their only NBA championship in 1979 as a coach, solidifying his iconic status in the city's sports history.
- He holds the record for coaching the most NBA games with 2,487 and was the first coach to achieve 1,000 career wins, showcasing his enduring impact.
- A three-time inductee into the Basketball Hall of Fame, Wilkens was recognized as a player, a coach, and a member of the 1992 U.S. Olympic team.
- His influence extended beyond the court, impacting countless young people, players, and coaches across generations, with a statue recently installed in his honor.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the story neutrally, presenting a comprehensive obituary for Lenny Wilkens. They focus on his extensive career achievements as a player and coach, his numerous accolades, and his positive impact on the sport and community. The reporting maintains an objective tone, primarily detailing facts and widely accepted perceptions of his legacy without overt editorial framing.
"Wilkens was one of the finest point guards of his era who later brought his calm and savvy style to the sideline, first as a player-coach and then evolving into one of the game's great coaches."
ABC News"Wilkens was one of the finest point guards of his era who later brought his calm and savvy style to the sideline, first as a player-coach and then evolving into one of the game’s great coaches."
Chicago Sun-Times"Wilkens was a nine-time All-Star as a player, was the first person to reach 1,000 wins as an NBA coach and was the second person inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a player and coach."
Associated PressArticles (6)
FAQ
Lenny Wilkens coached the most NBA games with 2,487, was the first coach to reach 1,000 career wins, and led the Seattle SuperSonics to their only NBA championship in 1979.
Wilkens played for and coached the Seattle SuperSonics, Portland Trailblazers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Atlanta Hawks. He started as a player-coach and later focused on coaching.
Wilkens was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame three times: as a player, as a coach, and as a member of the 1992 U.S. Olympic Dream Team. He was named one of the NBA's Top Ten Coaches and one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA history.
Wilkens is called the 'godfather of Seattle basketball' for leading the Seattle SuperSonics to their only NBA championship and inspiring generations. He was honored with a statue and a street named after him near the Climate Pledge Arena.
Lenny Wilkens served as an assistant coach for the 1992 U.S. Olympic Dream Team, which won the gold medal, and was subsequently inducted into the Hall of Fame as a member of this team.
History
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