Lenny Wilkens Dies at 88 Leaving a Lasting Legacy

The basketball world is mourning the loss of a true legend. Lenny Wilkens, one of the greatest to ever play and coach the game, has passed away at 88 — leaving behind a legacy of leadership, excellence, and heart that will never be forgotten.

A nine-time NBA All-Star, Wilkens was more than a playmaker — he was a teacher on the court. From his early days with the St. Louis Hawks to memorable runs in Seattle, Cleveland, and Atlanta, he built a reputation for calm control and classy competition. As a coach, he went on to make history with over 1,300 wins, leading the Seattle SuperSonics to their 1979 NBA Championship.

He’s one of only a handful of people ever inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame twice — once as a player (1989) and again as a coach (1998). And if you grew up watching the game, you know his influence stretched far beyond the hardwood — mentoring young players, building community programs, and setting the standard for what grace under pressure looks like.

Here in Atlanta, Wilkens also left his mark, coaching the Hawks during a pivotal chapter in the team’s history and earning respect for the quiet, confident leadership he always carried.

Our hearts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the countless fans he inspired across the country.

Lenny Wilkens wasn’t just an icon — he was a gentle giant of the game who showed us all what true greatness looks like, on and off the court.