PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The Portland Trail Blazers have expressed condolences after the passing of Lenny Wilkens, a Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and former player and coach for the team.
“All of Rip City is deeply saddened to hear of Lenny Wilkens passing,” the team stated. “Lenny was an incredible person on and off the court, and his impact on the game of basketball will be felt for generations.”
Wilkens, a Brooklyn native, joined the Trail Blazers in 1974 as a player-coach, contributing significantly to the team’s early development.
He was also a Seattle legend, honored with a statue outside the Climate Pledge arena this past June.
He averaged 6.5 points, 3.6 assists, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game over 65 appearances and compiled a 75-89 record over two seasons as head coach.
His illustrious career included being a Hall of Fame player and coach, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, a 1979 NBA Champion, a nine-time NBA All-Star, the 1994 NBA Coach of the Year, and a member of the NBA 50th and 75th Anniversary teams.
Beyond his on-court achievements, Wilkens was celebrated for his leadership, generosity, and love for the game, impacting countless lives.
The Trail Blazers join the basketball community in mourning the loss of a legend.