BREAKING: Lenny Wilkens, NBA legend and Hall of Fame coach, passes away at 88  

The NBA world has learned some sad news. Hall of Fame player and coach, Lenny Wilkens, has passed away at 88 years old.

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Wilkens was the sixth overall draft pick out of Providence College in 1960. He played 15 years in the NBA for the St. Louis Hawks, Seattle SuperSonics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Portland Trail Blazers.

During his career, Wilkens made nine All-Star teams, including winning the All-Star Game MVP in 1971.

Wilkens also led the NBA in assists during the 1969-70 season. He retired from playing in 1975.

Wilkens also had a successful coaching career that began in 1969 when he became player-coach for the Seattle SuperSonics. He served this dual role until 1972.

Wilkens played one season, his last, with the Portland Trail Blazers. He served as player-coach during the year and after retiring, he served one season as full-time head coach.

After one season off from coaching, Wilkens would coach the next 27 years. He led six teams during his time as head coach, most notably the SuperSonics, leading the franchise to its first and only NBA title in Seattle. This was in 1979.

Overall, Wilkens compiled a 1332–1155 record (.536). He is considered to be one of the greatest NBA players and coaches the league has seen.

Rest in peace, Lenny Wilkens.

About the Author Published Nov 9, 2025

TITAN FREY

Titan Frey is a dedicated father to three wonderful children, whom he takes immense pride in. His passions include reading, writing, basketball, both playing and watching, and playing chess. Titan spent five years working as a journalist for the basketball website fadeawayworld.net, where he served as editor-in-chief for four and a half years. One of his most notable achievements was interviewing Chuck Cooper III, the son of Chuck Cooper, the first African American ever drafted by an NBA team, and writing a biography that has been praised as the most definitive article about Cooper’s legacy. Titan is the author of more than ten novels and the screenwriter of three produced short films. His newest young adult novel, Echoes of the Hardwood: Braxton Foxworthy’s Time‑Travelling Book Report, blends basketball history with heartfelt storytelling and is now available. Order here: https://a.co/d/bo7BYz1