Lenny Wilkens, a legendary figure in basketball as both a player and coach, passed away, prompting an outpouring of tributes across the NBA. His influence stretched from the Seattle SuperSonics to teams nationwide, leaving a lasting mark on the sport and its communities.

Sacramento coach Doug Christie, who grew up in Seattle, said Wilkens’ mentorship shaped his career. “Without him,” Christie said, “I’m not here.” Fellow coaches and players echoed the sentiment, highlighting Wilkens’ impact on generations.

Wilkens earned recognition as a three-time Hall of Fame inductee, celebrated for his smooth playing style and calm, strategic coaching. He guided the SuperSonics to the 1979 NBA title and led the U.S. to Olympic gold in 1996, cementing his dual legacy.

Golden State coach Steve Kerr, a former player under Wilkens in Cleveland, recounted how Wilkens stepped into a scrimmage mid-career, showing remarkable skill even in his 50s. “An unbelievable man,” Kerr said. “Just an incredible man.”

Coaching excellence and leadership

Wilkens held the record as president of the National Basketball Coaches Association for 17 years. Indiana coach Rick Carlisle noted his contributions to the profession, including improved pensions, benefits, and coaching salaries. “He was a great representative to the league office,” Carlisle said, praising his advocacy and communication.

Known for his elegance and composure, Wilkens earned respect both on and off the court. Carlisle added, “He was such a great gentleman and eloquent human being, along with being a super competitive coach.” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also lauded Wilkens for shaping the lives of countless players and coaches.

Seattle’s WNBA team, the Storm, emphasized that Wilkens’ legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Former Seattle standout Detlef Schrempf called him a standard of leadership and community impact.

Career achievements and enduring impact

Wilkens played eight seasons for the St. Louis Hawks, four for the SuperSonics, two in Cleveland, and one in Portland, serving as a player-coach in four seasons. After retiring as a player, he coached Seattle, Portland, Cleveland, Atlanta, Toronto, and New York.

The Portland Trail Blazers described him as a “Pacific Northwest legend,” while the Cavaliers highlighted that he remains their all-time regular season coaching wins leader. The Atlanta Hawks called him “an innovator, a trailblazer, a winner, and a leader in every community in which he played and coached.” (AP)