Wilkens began his career as a player in the NBA in 1961, playing for the St. Louis Hawks. He was a nine-time All-Star and a two-time All-NBA First Team selection. He was also a member of the gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic basketball team in 1964. Wilkens was known for his leadership and playmaking abilities, and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 1989.
After his playing career, Wilkens transitioned to coaching. He was the head coach of the Seattle SuperSonics from 1969 to 1972, and then again from 1977 to 1985. He led the SuperSonics to their first NBA championship in 1979. He also coached the Portland Trail Blazers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Atlanta Hawks. Wilkens was the head coach of the 1996 U.S. Olympic basketball team, which won the gold medal. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a coach in 1998.
Wilkens was also the head coach of the Toronto Raptors from 2000 to 2003. He was the first coach in NBA history to win 1,000 games, and he finished his career with 1,332 wins. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a coach in 1998.
Throughout his career, Wilkens was known for his leadership and ability to bring out the best in his players. He was a mentor to many of the great players of his era, and his influence on the game of basketball is still felt today.
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