Check out this heartfelt tribute to Basketball Hall of Fame Lenny Wilkens that premiered in Seattle. On Saturday, a statue honoring him was unveiled outside Climate Pledge Arena. This momentous celebration makes Wilkens the first individual to be immortalized with a statue in this place. It honors his deep influence on the game and on society.
Wilkens has had a storied career, being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame twice: first as a player in 1989 and later as a coach in 1998. He did extraordinary things for the game. His influence and achievements were acknowledged even more when he was named as an assistant coach with the legendary 1992 USA Olympic “Dream Team.” In his coaching tenure, he led the Seattle SuperSonics to their only championship win in 1979. Throughout the team’s history, he was the central figure—until the 1990s.
The statue, created by local sculptor Lou Cella, commemorates Wilkens’ legacy in Seattle. Though he didn’t spend his entire career there, he has come to characterize the city and has most often been linked with the SuperSonics. Yet his influence extends well beyond the sport of basketball. In 1971 he founded a community foundation that served local needs and has spent decades promoting philanthropic efforts like the Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic located in Seattle’s historically Black Central District.
Wilkens’ dedication to community service has greatly motivated and influenced the Seattle basketball community as well as his players. Nate McMillan, Wilkens’ former player and assistant who’s now a coach himself, recalled his remarkable integrity.
“He set the standard for what a SuperSonic should be both on and off the floor,” – Nate McMillan.
McMillan further reflected on what Wilkens taught and instilled in him about the craft of coaching and reverence for the game.
“OK, I wasn’t able to be as smooth as you were on the sidelines, but the respect for the game, the respect for the community, the respect for the league, I took all of that from you,” – Nate McMillan.
Wilkens’ charitable endeavors have had a lasting impact on Seattle. In fact, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson credited his long-term effects, saying,
“He has uplifted this community in many ways,” – Washington Governor Bob Ferguson.
Former Sonics player Detlef Schrempf was just as effusive about Wilkens at the ceremony.
“I feel his impact every day and he’s touched many, many people,” – Schrempf.
The statue’s dedication not just recognized Wilkens’ profound impact on the game of basketball. It also speaks to his unrelenting commitment to lifting people up. He had worked with the SuperSonics during every decade of their history. This was mirrored by his deeper attachment to the whole franchise and its fierce acolytes.
“He’s a special person. We’re fortunate to have him in our community.” – Schrempf.
The unveiling of the statue reflects not only Wilkens’ achievements in basketball but also his unwavering dedication to uplifting others. His involvement with the SuperSonics spanned every decade of their existence, illustrating his enduring connection to the franchise and its fans.
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