Former Sacramento Kings assistant coach Willis Reed dies at 80
Mar 21, 2023, 1:51 PM
NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 04: NBA legend Willis Reed poses with his Wheaties box during the unveiling of the special-edition Wheaties box at the NBA Store on February 4, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)
(Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)
Willis Reed, who served as an assistant coach for the Sacramento Kings under Bill Russell, has died.
His death was confirmed by the National Basketball Retired Players Association. He was 80 years old.
Reed joined Russell and Jerry Reynolds on the coaching staff during the 1987 season. However, he didn’t stay long, joining the New Jersey Nets in February 1988. The next season, he was hired as the Nets’ general manager, a position he held until 1996. During that time, he drafted Nets’ greats like Derrick Coleman and Kenny Anderson and acquired Dražen Petrović.
Before he was a coach and a general manager, Willis Reed was best known for his time spent with the New York Knicks, where he won two NBA championships in 10 seasons. During his time with the Knicks, Reed averaged 19 points and 13 rebounds, was named to the All-NBA team five times, made seven All-Star teams and won MVP in the 1969-70 season.
The Knicks released a statement, saying they’re “deeply saddened” to hear of Reed’s passing.
“As we mourn, we will always strive to uphold the standards he left behind — the unmatched leadership, sacrifice and work ethic that personified him as a champion among champions,” the New York Knicks said in a statement. “His is a legacy that will live forever. We ask everyone to please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
The basketball community has lost a Legend. Our hearts are with the family, friends and fans of Willis Reed.#LegendsForever pic.twitter.com/AindMB0OGb
— NBA Alumni 🏀 (@NBAalumni) March 21, 2023
Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on Twitter, and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel.
