Legendary basketball player Lenny Wilkens , 88, died on November 9. His legacy was second to none as he bridged generations of basketball together and is considered one of the most respected figures in NBA history. As an outstanding coach and player, he was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Due to his connection with the city and its fans, the Hall of Famer - inducted as a coach and player - was regarded as the "godfather of Seattle basketball." He is one of only five men inducted into the Hall of Fame as both a coach and player. Now, following his death, another NBA legend, Magic Johnson penned a moving tribute honoring his timeless legacy.
Magic Johnson reflects on legacy and friendship in heartfelt message following Lenny Wilkens’ passingLenny Wilkens' cause of death has not yet been made public. His family has decided to keep the information confidential. Although there has been no formal confirmation, many have conjectured that Wilkens may have died from natural causes given his advanced age.
Meanwhile, shortly after death, Magic Johnson took to X to honor his legacy and wrote:
“I’m deeply saddened by the news of three-time Hall of Fame coach Lenny Wilkens passing. Lenny was a champion on the court as well as a champion in the Seattle community through his many charitable efforts in the city. He was a man who had the biggest heart. Lenny helped the entire Dream Team reach our goal of attaining an Olympic Gold Medal as an assistant coach. Lenny is a man I’m so happy I could call a friend. My prayers go out to his wife Marilyn, his kids, the entire NBA, and the Seattle community.”
Wilkens has a legendary basketball career, both as an active player and as a head coach in the years that followed. Wilkens has been named to the NBA's 50th and 75th anniversary teams and is a nine-time All-Star. As I previously stated, his recognition for his outstanding work as a coach only increased.
In 1979, Wilkens led the Portland Trail Blazers to an NBA title. As head coach, Wilkens was selected to four All-Star Games and was named NBA Coach of the Year in 1994. He was named to both the "Top 10 Coaches in NBA History" and "Top 15 Coaches in NBA History" lists.
The connection that links Wilkens' basketball career to the Toronto Raptors is his tenure as head coach from the year 2000 to 2003. He played for the St. Louis Hawks during the first eight years of his career. The Hawks drafted him with the sixth choice in the first round, following his acclaimed undergraduate career at Providence College. He regularly led the Hawks into the postseason and earned five All-Star nods.
Wilkens had 17,772 yards, 5,030 rebounds, and 7,211 assists at the end of his career. He was an NBA All-Star nine times. As a member of the Supersonics, he led the league in assists in 1970. Additionally, he was chosen for the NBA's 50th and 75th anniversary teams. The whole NBA world has mourned his death.
Also read: Dwyane Wade's wife Gabrielle Union honors Hollywood legend Diane Keaton after her shocking death, sharing powerful quotes
Due to his connection with the city and its fans, the Hall of Famer - inducted as a coach and player - was regarded as the "godfather of Seattle basketball." He is one of only five men inducted into the Hall of Fame as both a coach and player. Now, following his death, another NBA legend, Magic Johnson penned a moving tribute honoring his timeless legacy.
Magic Johnson reflects on legacy and friendship in heartfelt message following Lenny Wilkens’ passingLenny Wilkens' cause of death has not yet been made public. His family has decided to keep the information confidential. Although there has been no formal confirmation, many have conjectured that Wilkens may have died from natural causes given his advanced age.
Meanwhile, shortly after death, Magic Johnson took to X to honor his legacy and wrote:
“I’m deeply saddened by the news of three-time Hall of Fame coach Lenny Wilkens passing. Lenny was a champion on the court as well as a champion in the Seattle community through his many charitable efforts in the city. He was a man who had the biggest heart. Lenny helped the entire Dream Team reach our goal of attaining an Olympic Gold Medal as an assistant coach. Lenny is a man I’m so happy I could call a friend. My prayers go out to his wife Marilyn, his kids, the entire NBA, and the Seattle community.”
Wilkens has a legendary basketball career, both as an active player and as a head coach in the years that followed. Wilkens has been named to the NBA's 50th and 75th anniversary teams and is a nine-time All-Star. As I previously stated, his recognition for his outstanding work as a coach only increased.
I’m deeply saddened by the news of three-time Hall of Fame coach Lenny Wilkens passing. Lenny was a champion on the court as well as a champion in the Seattle community through his many charitable efforts in the city. He was a man who had the biggest heart. Lenny helped the…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) November 10, 2025
In 1979, Wilkens led the Portland Trail Blazers to an NBA title. As head coach, Wilkens was selected to four All-Star Games and was named NBA Coach of the Year in 1994. He was named to both the "Top 10 Coaches in NBA History" and "Top 15 Coaches in NBA History" lists.
The connection that links Wilkens' basketball career to the Toronto Raptors is his tenure as head coach from the year 2000 to 2003. He played for the St. Louis Hawks during the first eight years of his career. The Hawks drafted him with the sixth choice in the first round, following his acclaimed undergraduate career at Providence College. He regularly led the Hawks into the postseason and earned five All-Star nods.
Wilkens had 17,772 yards, 5,030 rebounds, and 7,211 assists at the end of his career. He was an NBA All-Star nine times. As a member of the Supersonics, he led the league in assists in 1970. Additionally, he was chosen for the NBA's 50th and 75th anniversary teams. The whole NBA world has mourned his death.
Also read: Dwyane Wade's wife Gabrielle Union honors Hollywood legend Diane Keaton after her shocking death, sharing powerful quotes
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