The Portland Path Blazers have paid tribute to NBA Corridor of Famer and former player-coach Lenny Wilkens, who has handed away.
In an announcement, the crew expressed deep unhappiness over the lack of one in every of basketball’s best figures.
“All of Rip Metropolis is deeply saddened to listen to of Lenny Wilkens’ passing. Lenny was an unbelievable particular person on and off the courtroom, and his influence on the sport of basketball might be felt for generations. A Pacific Northwest legend, his two seasons in Portland, as player-coach after which head coach throughout the early years of Blazer basketball, helped develop the sport in Rip Metropolis whereas his work off the courtroom impressed many. We be part of the basketball neighborhood in mourning the lack of a legend of the sport,” the assertion learn.
Wilkens loved a exceptional profession each as a participant and coach. He was a two-time Olympic gold medallist, a nine-time NBA All-Star, the 1994 NBA Coach of the 12 months, and a member of the NBA’s fiftieth and seventy fifth Anniversary Groups. He additionally led the Seattle SuperSonics to an NBA Championship in 1979.
The Brooklyn-born star joined the Path Blazers in 1974 as a player-coach, averaging 6.5 factors, 3.6 assists, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per sport throughout 65 appearances. As head coach, he guided the crew to a 75-89 file over two seasons.
Past his achievements in basketball, Wilkens was extensively revered for his management, kindness, and dedication to neighborhood service. He was also called a loving father, grandfather, and husband whose affect reached far past the courtroom.
