Pat Williams, co-founder of the Orlando Magic and an influential figure in NBA history, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 84 due to complications from viral pneumonia. Williams' legacy in basketball and his impact on the sport will be remembered for generations to come.
From Philadelphia to Orlando
Williams began his storied NBA career in 1968 as the business manager for the Philadelphia 76ers. Over the years, he carved out an extraordinary career across several franchises. In the early 1970s, he served as general manager for the Chicago Bulls, where he introduced the beloved NBA mascot, Benny the Bull. Williams also held the general manager position with the Atlanta Hawks before returning to the 76ers in 1974, where he made some of his most significant contributions to the league.
During his twelve-year tenure with the 76ers, Williams masterminded key trades, most notably bringing Julius Erving and Moses Malone to Philadelphia. These moves culminated in the Sixers capturing their third NBA championship in 1983 under his management.
Bringing Magic to Orlando
In 1986, Williams, alongside Jimmy Hewitt, embarked on a mission to bring an NBA franchise to Orlando. Their vision came to fruition in 1987 when the NBA awarded an expansion franchise to the city. The Orlando Magic debuted in the 1989 season with Williams as their first general manager, a role he would excel in for many years.
Williams' tenure with the Magic saw him making another unforgettable draft pick, selecting Shaquille O’Neal with the first overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft. The addition of O'Neal, coupled with the subsequent acquisition of Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, propelled the Magic to the 1995 NBA Finals. Under Williams’ competent management, his teams made it to the playoffs 23 times and reached the NBA Finals on five occasions.
Reflecting on Williams' transformative influence, Orlando Magic Chairman Dan DeVos and CEO Alex Martins stated, "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. He shined a light on what those who called Orlando home already knew -- that Central Florida was a fabulous place to live, work and play. We all owe him a debt of gratitude and he will certainly be missed, but never forgotten."
A Lasting Legacy
Williams’ contributions were honored in many ways during his lifetime. He received the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 and was inducted into the inaugural class of the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame in 2014. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver emphasized Williams' significant role in the sport, saying, "There is no Orlando Magic without Pat Williams. He was held in such high regard in the basketball community and was a friend to me and so many generations of league executives. Pat was never at a loss for a kind and supportive word and always brought great enthusiasm, energy and optimism to everything he did throughout his more than 50 years in the NBA."
Upon retirement in 2019, Williams reflected on his career and life, indicating his unending enthusiasm for new ventures with the words, "Even though I'm retired from basketball, I am not retiring from life."
Pat Williams leaves behind an indelible mark on the NBA and the sport of basketball as a visionary, a leader, and a beloved figure. His legacy will forever resonate in the hearts of fans and within the annals of the sport he helped shape. Through his pioneering spirit and unwavering optimism, Williams not only brought magic to the basketball court but also to the lives of countless individuals who crossed paths with him.