Seattle, US – November 10, 2025 – Lenny Wilkens, one of the NBA’s most iconic figures as both a player and coach, has passed away at the age of 88, his family confirmed Sunday. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

Wilkens, a three-time Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, was enshrined as a player, coach, and as part of the legendary 1992 US Olympic “Dream Team.” Surrounded by family at the time of his passing, he leaves behind a legacy that spans decades of basketball excellence.

“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,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

A Legendary Career on the Court

As a point guard, Wilkens was renowned for his calm, strategic play. He played 15 seasons in the NBA with the St. Louis Hawks, Seattle SuperSonics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Portland Trail Blazers, earning nine All-Star selections. Notably, he reached the milestone of 17,000 career points, highlighting his scoring consistency over a long career.

In Seattle, Wilkens became a beloved figure, coaching the SuperSonics to their only NBA title in 1979. A statue outside Climate Pledge Arena, unveiled in June 2025, commemorates his contributions to the city’s basketball culture.

Coaching Legacy

Wilkens’ coaching résumé is legendary:

• 2,487 NBA games coached – still an NBA record.
• 1,332 career coaching wins – the first coach to reach 1,000 victories.
• Coached stints with Seattle, Portland, Cleveland, Atlanta, Toronto, and the New York Knicks.
• 1994 NBA Coach of the Year with Atlanta.

He was also instrumental on the international stage, serving as an assistant coach for the 1992 and 1996 US Olympic teams, helping the Dream Team capture gold in Barcelona and Atlanta.

“Leaders don’t yell and scream,” Wilkens once said, reflecting the calm authority that defined both his playing and coaching style.

Honors and Legacy

Wilkens’ influence extended beyond the NBA:

• FIBA Hall of Fame, US Olympic Hall of Fame, College Basketball Hall of Fame
• Providence Hall of Fame
• Cleveland Cavaliers’ Wall of Honor

He remains remembered for his grace, leadership, and contributions to basketball on and off the court.

Wilkens’ impact on Seattle, the NBA, and international basketball will be felt for generations, cementing him as one of the game’s most respected ambassadors.