When was Lenny Wilkens inducted into the Hall of Fame as a player? Career highlights explored following NBA legend’s death at 88

Lenny Wilkens was inducted three times into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. However, the first time he was inducted in 1989, he was a player. The second time, he was inducted as a coach in 1998. The third time was in 2010, as a part of the 1992 United States Olympic "Dream Team". He was the assistant coach at the time.

Lenny Wilkens was a legend on and off the basketball court. He was a professional basketball player-turned NBA coach. Wilkens was named as one of the 15 Greatest Coaches in NBA History. He is also the only person who was included in the NBA 75th season celebration list twice, both as a player and a coach.

Keep reading to learn more about Lenny Wilkens' NBA career as a player and a coach.

Lenny Wilkens' career highlights

Lenny Wilkens joined the NBA when he was 23 years old. As a player, Lenny played for four teams throughout his NBA career. He played for the St. Louis Hawks from 1960 to 1968, the Seattle SuperSonics from 1968 to 1972, the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1972 to 1974, and lastly, the Portland Trail Blazers from 1974 to 1975.

However, as a coach, Wilkens first started with the Seattle SuperSonics and coached them from 1969 to 1972. Two years later, he joined the Portland Trail Blazers and worked with them for two years. In 1977, he went back to the Seattle SuperSonics and worked with them till 1985. The following year, he coached the Cleveland Cavaliers, and then the Atlanta Hawks, the Toronto Raptors, and lastly, the New York Knicks.

As a player, Lenny was named an NBA All-Star nine times. He was the NBA All-Star Game MVP in 1971, and as a coach, he was named NBA Coach of the Year in 1994.

Cleveland Cavaliers' tribute to Lenny Wilkens

The Cleveland Cavaliers shared a statement after the news of Lenny Wilkens' passing.

They wrote:

"The Cleveland Cavaliers are deeply saddened by the passing of Lenny Wilkens, a celebrated and legendary figure whose impact on our franchise and the game of basketball will never be forgotten. Wilkens' connection to the Cavaliers was felt on both sides of the court. As a player, he served as the team’s point guard from 1972 to 1974, earning NBA All-Star honors in 1973."

They also honored Wilkens' contribution as a coach, writing:

"He later returned as head coach from 1986 to 1993, guiding the Cavaliers to the playoffs in five of his seven seasons and setting the franchise record for most regular-season coaching wins with 316—a mark that still stands today."

They highlighted his achievements aside from being a player and a coach. They continued:

"On March 26, 2022, he was inducted into the Cavaliers Wall of Honor... Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as both a coach and player, Wilkens was also recognized as one of the NBA’s 75 greatest players and one of the league’s 15 greatest coaches of all time—an honor that reflects his influence on the game."

They concluded by writing:

"Wilkens embodied leadership, class, and a passion for the game. A true Cleveland sports icon, he inspired legions of players, coaches and fans across Northeast Ohio and he will forever be part of Cleveland Cavaliers history... Our hearts and sincere condolences are with his wife, Marilyn; their children, Leesha, Randy and Jamee, and all those whose lives he touched."

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Lenny Wilkens made history in basketball as both a player and a coach. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame three times and was part of the 1992 "Dream Team." His leadership and love for the game will always be remembered.

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