Pat Williams, Orlando Magic co-founder and recipient of the Basketball Hall of Fame’s Lifetime Achievement Award, died on Wednesday at the age of 84.
He died of complications from viral Pneumonia, the team said in a statement.
Pat Williams and businessman Jimmy Hewitt started the work on starting an NBA franchise in 1986. A year later, they were granted the expansion franchise to the city. In 1988, they sold their first game tickets to bring the team officially to the league.
Let’s look at what Orlando Magic said in the statement.
Orlando Magic Chairman Dan DeVos and CEO Alex Martins issued a joint statement and said this. “Pat Williams simply brought magic to Orlando. His accomplishments will always be remembered. Armed with his ever-present optimism and unparalleled energy, he was an incredible visionary who helped transform the world of sports in multiple ways. From bringing the Magic to Orlando, to transforming sports marketing and promotions, he was always ahead of the curve. Pat forever changed the sports landscape in Orlando.”
Under his leadership, Orlando Magic made the playoffs three times, including an NBA finals appearance. He was promoted to the role of senior vice president in 1996 and held that role until his retirement in 2019.
His NBA career earned him the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2022.
Before starting Orlando Magic, he also worked as general manager of teams like the Chicago Bulls (1969-1973), Atlanta Hawks (1973-1974), and Philadelphia 76ers (1974-1986). In his tenure, the 76ers made four NBA finals and won one championship.
