Lenny Wilkens, Sonics Legend, Dies at 88

Merlin notes that Lenny Wilkens, an NBA Hall of Famer as both player and coach, died at 88, "died peacefully, surrounded by family." Wilkens starred at Providence, was the sixth pick in 1960, averaged 16.5 points and 6.7 assists over 15 seasons, earned nine All-Star nods and an All-Star Game MVP, then turned to coaching — guiding the Seattle SuperSonics to the 1979 NBA championship, the franchise’s only title. Merlin sees a rare full-circle legacy: player, player-coach, title-winning head coach, and a three-time Hall of Fame inductee (player 1989, coach 1998, 1992 Olympic assistant 2010). His long runs in Seattle, Cleveland, Atlanta, Toronto and New York left a quieter imprint than flashier stars, but one of steady leadership and lasting influence on the modern game.