Lenny Wilkens
Inducted:
1998
Stats
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
180 lb (82 kg)
Born
October 28, 1937
New York City, New York, U.S.
Died
November 9, 2025
Medina, Washington, U.S.
Position:
Coach
College:
Providence (1957–1960)
Lenny Wilkens is one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, renowned for his leadership, strategy, and longevity. After a stellar playing career, Wilkens transitioned to coaching, becoming a floor general from the bench. He led several teams, including the Seattle SuperSonics, Atlanta Hawks, and Cleveland Cavaliers, with a focus on teamwork, player development, and adaptability.
Wilkens’ coaching pinnacle came in 1979 when he guided the SuperSonics to the franchise’s first and only NBA Championship. Over his career, he became the all-time winningest coach in NBA history (a record later surpassed) and was respected for his integrity, mentorship, and ability to maximize talent on any roster.
His impact on the league extended beyond wins, shaping coaching standards for generations. Lenny Wilkens was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998 as a coach.
Wilkens's Awards and Records
- Top 10 Coaches in NBA History
- Top 15 Coaches in NBA History
- Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award (2011)
- Cleveland Cavaliers Wall of Honor (2022)
NBA Records
- NBA champion (1979)
- NBA Coach of the Year (1994)
- 4× NBA All-Star Game head coach (1979, 1980, 1989, 1994)
NBA Team
Seattle SuperSonics (1969–1972,1977–1985)
Portland Trail Blazers (1974–1976)
Cleveland Cavaliers (1986–1993)
Atlanta Hawks (1993–2000)
Toronto Raptors (2000–2003)
New York Knicks (2004–2005)
NBA Stats
Season Coached:
32 (1969-2005)
Game:
2,487
Wins:
1,332
Lose:
1,155
Win(%)
.536
NBA Championships:
1 (1979)
NBA Coach of the Year:
1 (1994, Atlanta Hawks)
Playoff Appearances:
20 (Across 32 seasons)
Olympic Gold Medals:
1 (Head Coach, 1996) / 1 (Asst, 1992)