Remembering a sweet 16 Jun 22, 2008
Bob Pettit (31 points) and Cliff Hagan (26) - along with a rookie from Providence College named Lenny Wilkens (11 points), who would surpass Auerbach with coaching victory No. 939 nearly 34 years later - squeaked by the Celtics in Game 3, 124-120. The Celtics relied on a rookie of their own in Game 4, as Tom "Satch" Sanders sparked a 119-104 victory with 22 points and suffocating defense. (Boston Globe)
D'Antoni retains Williams, hires brother Jun 21, 2008
He served 44 games as the interim head coach, including the final 43 games of the 2004-05 season after Lenny Wilkens was fired. 2008 The Associated Press. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Jax doesn't want to coach USA Jun 16, 2008
ESPN - Jackson has no desire to coach U.S. in Olympics - NBA. Jackson has no desire to coach U.S. in Olympics - NBA. (ESPN -- Golf News)
Nellie to fulfill final contract year as Warriors coach Jun 4, 2008
The league's second winningest coach of all time behind Lenny Wilkens, Nelson and the team set a June 1 deadline for the coach, who turned 68 in May, to make a decision. Nelson, who lives in Hawaii in the offseason, has one year left on his contract at about $5 million. (ESPN -- Golf News)
Odds stacked against him Jun 1, 2008
Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Lenny Wilkens, Byron Scott, Billy Cunningham, Rudy Tomjanovich, K.C. Jones and Don Nelson are part of a long list of former star players who had success as NBA head coaches. Such is not the case in college. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Jackson to be 1st interview for Suns May 15, 2008
"I've played for five or six surefire Hall of Fame coaches," said Jackson, who had three stints with Larry Brown and also played for Pat Riley, Jerry Sloan and Lenny Wilkens among his 13 coaches. "I've learned from each and every one of them. I believe if you're a point guard in this league, you've really been a lead assistant for 17 years. If you look at Steve Nash, he has been more important than any assistant coach that the Suns have had during this success. I don't think that can be argued.... (AZCentral -- Sports)
Cavaliers assistant Malone took a roundabout trip to Cleveland May 13, 2008
"It's funny, because I said to Mike Brown, 'Should I have Lenny Wilkens or Jeff Van Gundy call? " Malone said. "And he said, 'Listen, Pop called on your behalf. Pop is God to me, so you don't have to have anybody else call.' So I got the job.". (Boston Globe)
Brown to coach Bobcats May 2, 2008
Brown's nine NBA teams are three more than any other coach -- Kevin Loughery and Lenny Wilkens each coached six. "I think I've coached almost everybody in the NBA, but I'm going to challenge everybody to do their best," Brown said. (ESPN -- Golf News)
A look at '99 -- the last playoff appearance May 2, 2008
The coach of the 1998-99 Hawks, Lenny Wilkens, holds the NBA record for regular-season coaching victories, passing Celtics legend Red Auerbach in 1995. Auerbach also coached the Hawks, in 1950, when the franchise based in Moline, Ill. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
NBA: Larry Brown back again, this time with Charlotte Bobcats May 2, 2008
" Brown, 67, replaces Sam Vincent, whom Jordan hired last year despite no NBA head coaching experience. Vincent, who was fired Saturday, struggled to find consistent rotations and clashed with players in a 32-50 season. Brown's nine NBA teams are three more than any other coach - Kevin Loughery and Lenny Wilkens each coached six. Today in Sports "I think I've coached almost everybody in the NBA, but I'm going to challenge everybody to do their best," Brown said. "That's what Michael is about and... (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
Test your Hawks knowledge Apr 21, 2008
It's been nine long years since the Hawks flew into the playoffs. How much of their post-season past do you know. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
END OF AN ERA: The annotated tenure of Isiah Thomas Apr 21, 2008
"I just think he's a perfect fit. And I think he's a perfect fit for Stephon. I think he will be very good for this team." -- Announcing the hiring of Lenny Wilkens as coach, New York Daily News, Jan. 15, 2004. "I still have the playing bug, the coaching bug. Last night I had a basketball dream that I was playing in. That doesn't mean I'm going to do it. I'm not coming back to play and I'm not coming back to coach." -- New York Times, April 28, 2004. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Warriors' Nelson to take few months to mull future Apr 17, 2008
Nelson is the second-winningest coach in NBA history with 1,280 wins, trailing only Lenny Wilkens (1,332) on the all-time list. Nelson is one of many Warriors with an uncertain future. (ESPN -- Golf News)
Sonics appear set to blast from Seattle Apr 11, 2008
By Chris Colston, USA TODAY SEATTLE In their 41-year history, the Seattle SuperSonics have won three conference championships, the 1979 NBA title and have been coached by the likes of Hall of Famers Bill Russell and Lenny Wilkens. Last year they averaged nearly 16,000 fans per game despite finishing 20 games below. (USA Today -- Sports)
Steve AschburnerINSIDE THE NBA Apr 2, 2008
Cleveland's Paul Silas, Denver's Jeff Bzdelik, Minnesota's Flip Saunders, New York's Lenny Wilkens, Orlando's Johnny Davis and Portland's Maurice Cheeks all succumbed to player revolt, management unrest, media pressure or old-fashioned losing. And that doesn't include Hubie Brown, Rudy Tomjanovich and Don Nelson, three warhorses who stepped away from the Grizzlies, Lakers and the Mavericks for health or personal reasons. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NBA)
Curry spices up Sweet 16 Mar 26, 2008
"Oh, boy, are shooters hard to find. We had a big debate about Dell and Mike Sanders. [Cavs coach] Lenny Wilkens liked Mike's fit on the front line and how he could play defense," said Embry. Dell Curry wasn't Lenny's kind of guy. (Cleveland.com -- Sports)
TOUGH BREAKUP: Sonics' pending Seattle exit hard to take Mar 26, 2008
Through the years, stars like Slick Watts, Spencer Haywood, Lenny Wilkens, Dennis Johnson, Tom Chambers, Gus Williams, Jack Sikma, Gary Payton, Fred Brown, Shawn Kemp, Xavier McDaniel and many, many more helped convert the minor league town in which I grew up into a major league city. We can hold out faint hope that something will miraculously happen and they will stay, but at this stage, that might be too painful. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
NBA: Warriors win at Staples Mar 25, 2008
Nelson, whose 1,275 victories are the second-most in NBA history behind Lenny Wilkens' 1,332, is in his second season as the Warriors' coach in his second tour with the team. Jackson's first 3-pointer gave the Warriors a 112-108 lead. (Yreka Siskiyou Daily News, CA)
Ian ThomsenINSIDE THE NBA Mar 21, 2008
"The challenge for all of us to work together to build a model that is successful -- to the point of getting to that level with a pension -- is something that can happen down the road.'' Carlisle still isn't sure how he entered this mess. He was elected president of the association in 2005 to replace Lenny Wilkens, who had provided 18 years of union leadership. "You talk about big shoes to fill -- this guy's a legend on many levels and one of the most respected men in the game,'' Carlisle said.... (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Knight headed out? Mar 2, 2008
IT WAS KNIGHT WHO MADE A TRADE TO GET NOW TWO TIME ALLSTAR JOE JOHNSON, IT WAS KNIGHT WHO DAFTED THE FASTEST MAN TO 500 BLOCKS IN N.B.A. HISTORY IN JOSH SMITH. IT WAS KNIGHT WHO DRAFTED A GUY WHO EVERYBODY IS PROJECTING TO BE THE NEXT ROOKIE OF THE YEAR IN AL HORFORD, IT WAS BILLY KNIGHT WHO JUST MADE A TRADE TO GET ONE OF THE TOP POINT GUARDS IN THE N.B.A. FOR A BUNCH OF GUYS THAT WASN T GOING TO BE ON THE TEAM NEXT YEAR. THE WRITERS AND RADIO JERKS KEEP TALKING ABOUT THE FEW MISTAKES HE S... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
All-Star assist Feb 18, 2008
" About 150 NBA legends were also out in force during All-Star weekend. During one of the several events sponsored by the National Basketball Retired Players Association, Moses Malone, Elgin Baylor and Lenny Wilkens were among the former players who gave groceries to families in east New Orleans. Bryant and the other All-Stars on hand, as well as Boston Celtics coach and East All-Stars coach Doc Rivers, chatted easily on the nearly empty bus en route to the construction site. With Rivers plopped... (USA Today -- Sports)
HALL-OF-FAME FINALISTS Feb 16, 2008
NBA Coach of the Year three times and ranks second on the career wins list behind Hall of Fame member Lenny Wilkens ... PAT RILEY, coach of Miami Heat, ranks third in wins behind Lenny Wilkens and Nelson. (Nola.com -- Sports)
Nelson, Mullin to Hall? Feb 16, 2008
Nelson ranks second in terms of NBA coaching victories with 1,264, trailing only Hall of Famer Lenny Wilkens on that list. He has been named the league's Coach of the Year three times and, with the Warriors' upset of the Dallas Mavericks last season, is the only man to lead a No. 8 seed past a No. 1 in a season-game NBA playoff series. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Riley nominated for hall of fame Feb 16, 2008
Riley has won five NBA titles as a coach of the Los Angeles Lakers and Heat and ranks third on the all-time list for coaching victories behind Hall of Famer Lenny Wilkens and Don Nelson, who is also a finalist. 2008 Basketball Hall finalists. (The Palm Beach Post)
N.O.'s Stojakovic set for 3-point contest Feb 7, 2008
NBA legends Rick Barry and Lenny Wilkens will be honorary captains. Tickets for Jam Session start at $12 and are available at 800-4NBA-TIX, Ticketmaster. (Nola.com -- Sports)
Fuzzy math for Knicks: Losses adding up, woes multiplying Feb 6, 2008
He cycled through four coaches Don Chaney, Lenny Wilkens, Herb Williams and Larry Brown before taking over on the bench after Brown was fired following the 2005-06 season. "As a basketball fan, a former Knick and a New Yorker, it's frustrating and sad to watch," says ESPN and YES Network analyst Mark Jackson, the Brooklyn native and former Knicks point guard. (USA Today -- Sports)
Powell, Benson named All-Stars Feb 6, 2008
Hall of Famers Lenny Wilkens and Rick Barry will serve as honorary captains, Wilkens for the Blue team, Barry for the Red team. . (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Kings win as Hornets lose back-to-back Feb 2, 2008
The other coaches to lead both conferences are Larry Brown, Phil Jackson, Pat Riley, Flip Saunders and Lenny Wilkens. Most read. (Anchorage Daily News)
Scott making up for All-Star snubs Feb 2, 2008
The list starts with Lenny Wilkens. Then it ends with Wilkens. (Scripps Howard News Wire)
C.C. dethrones LeBron as Cleveland's finest Jan 25, 2008
SI.com - MLB - Sabathia dethrones LeBron in Cleveland - Thursday January 24, 2008 10:23PM. C.C. dethrones LeBron in Cleveland. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- MLB)
Boylan Named Bulls' Interim Coach Dec 28, 2007
Boylan began his coaching career in the NBA in 1992 as video coordinator and advance scout for Hall of Famer Lenny Wilkens in Cleveland. He also coached in the Continental Basketball Association and in college, including stops at Michigan State as an assistant and as head coach at New Hampshire. (Click2Houston, TX)
Best in Hawks' franchise history Dec 27, 2007
High Fives: Two-time MVP Pettit tops list of best Hawks - USATODAY.com. Buy and sell tickets to premium and sold out events. (USA Today -- Sports)
SN: ONeills Arizona focus on winning, not Olson Dec 19, 2007
I followed Lenny Wilkens in Toronto, and now I'm following a guy who is an absolute legend in Tuscon, Arizona. SN: When you took the job as associate head coach last spring, did you envision this developing. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Bryant helps Lakers beat Warriors, again Dec 10, 2007
Miamis Pat Riley joined Nelson and Lenny Wilkens as the only NBA coaches to reach the 1,200-victory plateau when the Heat beat the Clippers 100-94 in the first half of a Sunday doubleheader at Staples Center. Im happy for him, Nelson said. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Wade's 35 points help Riley win 1,200th Dec 10, 2007
Notes: Lenny Wilkens leads all coaches with 1,332 victories. Mourning was stern-faced before the game after hearing about Sunday mornings shooting incident involving Indiana Pacers G Jamaal Tinsley. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Riley hits 1,200-win plateau as Heat break out vs. Clippers Dec 10, 2007
Notes: Lenny Wilkens leads all coaches with 1,332 victories. Mourning was stern-faced before the game after hearing about Sunday morning's shooting incident involving Indiana Pacers G. (USA Today -- Sports)
* NBA: Cavaliers earn third straight win Nov 27, 2007
Moon added nine rebounds, six blocks and three steals in Sam Mitchell's 114th victory as Raptors coach, moving him past Lenny Wilkens for the most in team history. Starting in place of the injured T.J. Ford (sore left arm), point guard Jose Calderon scored 19 points and had 14 assists for Toronto. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Jazz play the tune in Detroit Nov 27, 2007
" Former Piston Mehmet Okur added 12 points for Utah, while Andrei Kirilenko had 11 points and 10 rebounds. The Pistons rallied to within four at 91-87 on Tayshaun Prince's three-pointer with four minutes to play but could come no closer. Antonio McDyess led the Pistons with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Richard Hamilton added 17 and Chauncey Billups had 15. But Detroit was only 34 of 86 from the field and had head coach Flip Saunders ejected after picking up a pair of technical for arguing with... (Xinhuanet, China)
Spurs Beat Sonics, 116-101 Nov 26, 2007
The energetic Moon added nine rebounds, six blocks and three steals in Sam Mitchell's 114th victory as Raptors coach, moving him past Lenny Wilkens for the most in team history. Luol Deng scored 21 points in his return to Chicago's starting lineup after missing three games with a sore lower back. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Raptors deal struggling Bulls 4th straight loss Nov 26, 2007
The victory was the 114th for Sam Mitchell as Raptors coach, moving him past Lenny Wilkens for the most wins in team history. The Raptors led 70-64 after three quarters, but missed their first six shot attempts in the fourth. (MSNBC -- Sports)
LeBron delivers in final minutes to lift Cavs Nov 25, 2007
Mitchell has 113 career wins, one short of the franchise record held by Lenny Wilkens. Also on this story. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Nelson's rsum is worthy of the highest calling Nov 22, 2007
Only Lenny Wilkens has won more games and only Riley has had more 50-win seasons ... How can the man who has won more games than anyone not named Lenny Wilkens not be in the Hall of Fame. (Boston Globe)
Big-game hunting Nov 15, 2007
Marbury trying to add to collection but might become Thomas' trophy. Bob Young The Arizona Republic Nov. 15, 2007 12:00 AM. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Clippers deny Durant, Sonics first win Nov 6, 2007
Notes:@ Seattle's worst start was 0-6 in 1969-70 under player-coach Lenny Wilkens, who would end up as the winningest coach in NBA history. Carlesimo, in his first season as Seattle's coach, spent three with Portland and never started 0-3. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Sonic status Nov 1, 2007
"He was just an incredible player who affected the game at both ends of the floor," said Lenny Wilkens, who played four seasons for Seattle and coached the Sonics to the 1979 NBA title. USA TODAY asked Wilkens to cast his vote for five players as a team representative. (USA Today -- Sports)
Portland, Seattle experience NBA's peaks and valleys Oct 23, 2007
" Some keep hoping, however. "I can't imagine Seattle without the Sonics," says Lenny Wilkens, a resident who coached the 1979 title team. "Forty years is a long time. " But indications are the Sonics aren't long for Seattle. Bennett says his group is willing to put $100 million toward a new facility. But without one, "this team leaves either at the end of this season or 2010. (USA Today -- Sports)
Expert: Some advice for Isiah on saving the Knicks Oct 15, 2007
Thomas inherited Don Chaney as coach and hired Lenny Wilkens and Larry Brown, two of the best in the history of the game and coaching Hall of Famers. advertisement. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Isiah should be relieved to have job Oct 4, 2007
Nice work if you can get it. Isiah keeps punching clock despite all his missteps. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Just what does Isiah Thomas have to do to lose his job with the Knicks? Oct 4, 2007
SI.com - Writers - Marty Burns: Isiah should be relieved to have job - Wednesday October 3, 2007 3:42PM. Nice work if you can get it. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Don Nelson Signs With Warriors Sep 17, 2007
Nelson has the second most wins as an NBA coach in history (1,232), trailing only Lenny Wilkens (1,332). He also ranks 20th on the all-time winning percentage list for NBA coaches. (NBC 11, CA)
Men's Basketball To Face Boston College In Hall of Fame Challenge at TD Banknorth Garden Jul 11, 2007
Three Hall of Fame coaches have ties to Providence, including former players John Thompson and Lenny Wilkens and former coach and athletic director Dave Gavitt. Hall of Famers Bob Cousy and Chuck Daly each served as head coach of Boston College. (Friars.com)
Stackhouse agrees to remain with Mavericks as sixth man Jul 8, 2007
SuperSonics // Hall of Fame coach Lenny Wilkens resigned as vice chairman, completing a rapid decline from his role as president of basketball operations. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant took his debut in stride on the first day of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. (Sunspot.net -- Sports)
Durant scores 18 in debut Jul 7, 2007
-- Hall of Fame coach Lenny Wilkens resigned as the vice chairman of the SuperSonics. Wilkens became the Sonics' vice chairman in November, taking on the role of adviser on basketball operations to owner Clay Bennett and also working in community relations. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Hall of Famer Wilkens resigns post with Sonics Jul 7, 2007
SEATTLE -- Hall of Fame coach Lenny Wilkens resigned Friday as the vice chairman of the , completing a rapid decline of his role in the organization. Wilkens. (ESPN -- Golf News)
Wilkens resigns as Sonics vice chairman Jul 7, 2007
Seattle SuperSonics vice chairman Lenny Wilkens talks to reporters in this Nov. 30, 2006 file photo in Seattle ... SEATTLE (AP) Hall of Fame coach Lenny Wilkens resigned Friday as the vice chairman of the Seattle SuperSonics, completing a rapid decline of his role in the organization. (Anchorage Daily News)
Stackhouse, Mavs agree to contract Jul 7, 2007
WILKENS RESIGNS: Hall of Fame coach Lenny Wilkens resigned Friday as the vice chairman of the Seattle SuperSonics, completing a rapid decline from his role in the organization. "My passion for this city and this franchise has never wavered, but I feel that my position within the organization did not develop the way that I thought it would," Wilkens said in a statement. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Stackhouse to stay with Dallas Jul 7, 2007
Hall of Fame coach Lenny Wilkens resigned as vice chairman of the Sonics, completing a rapid decline from his role in the organization. Spurs. (AZCentral -- Sports)
• Lenny Wilkens Resigns As Sonics Exec Jul 7, 2007
Lenny Wilkens Resigns As Sonics Exec The Associated Press ... SEATTLE 69-year-old Lenny Wilkens has left the Seattle SuperSonics organization. (Q13.com, WA)
Perez, Peterson penalized; Hill to return Jul 7, 2007
Basketball Wilkens steps down from Sonics post Hall of Fame coach Lenny Wilkens resigned as the vice chairman of the Seattle SuperSonics, completing a rapid decline from his role in the organization. Wilkens, the NBA's career victory leader, coached the Sonics to their only championship in 1979. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Bradley: Don't believe the draft hype Jun 29, 2007
Fire Pete Babcock; fire Mike Fratello; fire Lenny Wilkens; fire Terry Stotts; fire Lon Kruger; fire Billy Knight; fire Mike Woodson; fire Bobby cox;fire June Jones; fire Jerry Glanville; fire Jim Mora. Atlanta, a sorry A. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
’84 set standard for the NBA draft Jun 28, 2007
Lenny Wilkens went sixth, to the St. Louis Hawks. "The Big O" and "the Logo," back-to-back at the top, a backcourt for the ages, linked from the beginning. (Columbia Daily Herald, TN)
Sonics set to hire Pistons' Perry; fire Pendergraft Jun 22, 2007
Lenny Wilkens, the president of basketball operations last month who attended the NBA predraft camp in Florida, has since been stripped of his basketball responsibilities by owner Clay Bennett. Bennett has given Presti the authority for all basketball decisions, subject to ownership approval. (ESPN -- Golf News)
Quite a season — Jazz endure one wild ride Jun 17, 2007
Now 1,035-689 all-time in the regular season, Sloan also moved briefly past K.C. Jones and Lenny Wilkens and into fifth place on the NBA's all-time playoff coaching victories list before getting passed himself by the coach of the team that ended Utah's postseason run, San Antonio's Gregg Popovich. Sloan has indicated he plans to return for a 20th season in the fall. (Deseret News)
Sonics hire Sam Presti as new GM Jun 8, 2007
" Lenny Wilkens will return to his role as vice chairman. Wilkens, the 70-year-old Hall of Fame coach, had been the president of basketball operations and Bennett's point man on team matters since last fall. The Sonics own the second pick in the June 28 draft. Seattle's selection is expected to be easy: Kevin Durant or Greg Oden, whomever Portland doesn't take with the No. 1 pick. Days after that, the Sonics must decide how much money and effort to direct at Rashard Lewis, the team's... (News & Observer -- Sports)
Plenty of food for thought Jun 8, 2007
Diehard fans who saw the Cavs' "Miracle of Richfield" victory over Washington in the 1976 Eastern Conference semifinals, the glory days under Lenny Wilkens in the 1990s, and all the misery in between and since, gathered at Whitey's last night for Game 1 of the Finals. The place has four new plasma TVs, and the stereo system has been rewired so fans can watch the game and listen to their beloved local radio announcer, Joe Tait. (Newsday -- Sports)
