Lenny Wilkens, a revered figure in basketball as both player and coach, passed away at age 88 on Sunday. His family confirmed he died peacefully at home in Seattle, surrounded by loved ones. Wilkens left a lasting legacy through his NBA achievements and community work.
Lenny Wilkens, born on October 28, 1937, in Brooklyn, New York, built an extraordinary career in basketball after starring at Providence College. He entered the NBA in 1960 and earned nine All-Star selections as a player, known for his calm leadership and court vision as a premier point guard.
Transitioning to coaching while still playing, Wilkens amassed 1,332 wins over more than 30 years, holding the record as the NBA's winningest coach at retirement. He guided the Seattle SuperSonics to their only NBA championship in 1979 and also coached the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks, emphasizing teamwork, intelligence, and integrity.
Wilkens received multiple honors, including induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 1989, as a coach in 1998, and for his role on the 1992 Dream Team in 2010. He was a nine-time All-Star as a player and seven-time as a coach, and won two Olympic gold medals.
Beyond the court, Wilkens dedicated himself to community service in Seattle. He led the Lenny Wilkens Foundation, raising funds for the Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic through galas and golf tournaments. In recent years, he volunteered at basketball camps for Rise Above to support native youth. This past June, a statue was unveiled in his honor outside Climate Pledge Arena.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marilyn, three children—Leesha, Randy, and Jamee—and seven grandchildren.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated: “Lenny Wilkens represented the very best of the NBA – as a Hall of Fame player, Hall of Fame coach, and one of the game’s most respected ambassadors... I send my heartfelt condolences to Lenny’s wife, Marilyn; their children... and all those throughout the NBA community who were fortunate to be touched by Lenny’s leadership and generosity.”
Former Washington Governor Jay Inslee posted on social media: “No athlete has been so loved, by so many, from so many quarters of our community, as Lenny Wilkens. What a gift to us, on and off the court."
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Lenny Wilkens, a trailblazing Seattle icon and legendary figure in the history of basketball... Seattle will always remember Lenny for his tenacity, strength, and the legacy he built both on the court and in our community. My condolences are with his family, loved ones, and everyone he knew and inspired.”