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Key Points Lenny Wilkens, one of the few figures inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame three times, has died at 88. His family confirmed he passed away peacefully at home in Seattle, with no cause of death shared. The NBA and teams across the league are honoring the coach who delivered Seattle its only NBA championship. Lenny Wilkens — the man behind 15 seasons of NBA excellence and over three decades of coaching — has died. He was 88. His family announced the news on Sunday, November 9, saying he was “surrounded by loved ones” in his final moments. “With deep love and sadness, we announce that Lenny Wilkens passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 9, 2025,” they said in a statement to KING 5. “Lenny was a dedicated philanthropist, community advocate and three-time inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He is survived by his devoted wife Marilyn, his three children and seven grandchildren.” Oops! We’re unable to load this content right now. View directly on 𝕏 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 Once word spread, tributes came fast. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called Wilkens “the very best of the NBA,” adding that he wasn’t just a Hall of Fame player and coach, but one of the game’s “most respected ambassadors.” Silver pointed out that just a few years ago, Wilkens made the league’s list of the 75 greatest players and the 15 greatest coaches. He praised his “commitment to service,” especially in Seattle, where a statue of Wilkens was unveiled earlier this year. “He influenced the lives of countless young people as well as generations of players and coaches who considered Lenny not only a great teammate or coach but also an extraordinary mentor who led with integrity and true class,” Silver said. Oops! We’re unable to load this content right now. View directly on 𝕏 The tributes didn’t stop there. While speaking with reporters, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr called him “an incredible man” who shaped how coaches lead with respect. “I didn’t watch him play, I wasn’t old enough to see him play but reading about his game and how talented he was and that he ends up breaking the all-time wins record as a coach — what a career,” he added. 🍳 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & fun food news in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter 🍳 Oops! We’re unable to load this content right now. View directly on 𝕏 Rick Carlisle remembered him as “a great gentleman, and such an eloquent human being.” The Indiana Pacers coach continued, “He is still way up there in all-time victories. Very, very special man. He’ll be missed but he’ll be remembered.” Teams across the league posted messages honoring the man who helped define modern basketball. Oops! We’re unable to load this content right now. View directly on 𝕏 Born in Brooklyn in 1937, Wilkens learned the game on city playgrounds before starring at Providence College. By 1960, he was the No. 6 pick in the NBA Draft and began a 15-year playing career that made him one of the smartest point guards of his era. He earned nine All-Star nods, was named 1971 All-Star Game MVP, and retired with more than 17,000 points and 7,200 assists, according to the NBA.
