
On Tuesday, Former Seattle Supersonics coach Lenny Wilkins was honored by the Seattle Center as they declared October 3 as “Lenny Wilkens Day at Seattle Center”.
The event featured community speakers, local performers, and appearances by local fixtures in the NBA community. In addition, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell honored the legendary coach with an official proclamation.
“Throughout his prolific career as a player and coach, Lenny Wilkens has set the example for what it means to be a leader, both on the court and as a fixture in the Seattle community,” said Harrell. “One of Seattle’s greatest sports icons, his commitment to basketball and work with the Lenny Wilkens Foundation exemplifies the passion and dedication to uplifting others that we strive to build in One Seattle. I want to congratulate Coach Wilkens on all his many accomplishments across a legendary career.”
Recognized by millions of people throughout his career in sports and charitable work, Wilkens was a fixture in bringing the 1979 Seattle SuperSonics to its only NBA Championship as their head coach. As the first coach in NBA history to break the 1,000-victory threshold, Coach Wilkens earned the reputation as being the “Winningest Coach” in professional basketball, and in 2009 was inducted into the Washington Sports Hall of Fame.
As a 9-time NBA All-Star and MVP, Wilkens is considered one of the 50 greatest players, was ranked in the top 15 coaches in the NBA in 2021 and was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1989 as an NBA player and in 1998 as an NBA coach.
In 1980, Wilkens established the Lenny Wilkens Foundation to provide basic healthcare and education to culturally diverse communities in the Pacific Northwest. As a 40-plus year resident of Bellevue, Wilkens has helped raise millions of dollars for the benefit of children in the Northwest and has been a lifelong inspiration to all.
In October of 2021, the city of Seattle re-named Thomas Street to Lenny Wilkens Way, after Wilkens. Lenny Wilkens Way runs next to Climate Pledge Arena, a brand-new redevelopment of the arena, where Wilkens ruled the hardwood as a Sonics player and coach.
“Coach Wilkens has been a fixture in the NBA and our community for years,” said Robert Nellams, Director of Seattle Center. “I’m honored we’re able to celebrate his accomplishments and name October 3rd “Lenny Wilkens Day” on our campus.”