Pat Williams, a notable figure in the NBA and a transformative force in Orlando sports, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 84 due to complications from viral pneumonia. As the co-founder of the Orlando Magic, Williams' legacy is profound and spans over five decades of influential work in the basketball world.
Early Career and Innovations
Williams’ illustrious journey began in 1968 when he took on the role of business manager for the Philadelphia 76ers. His talent and dedication quickly became apparent, guiding him to prominent positions within the league. As general manager of the Chicago Bulls, Williams made a significant mark by introducing Benny the Bull, one of the NBA’s first mascots, that added a new dimension to sports marketing and game-day entertainment. He later became the general manager of the Atlanta Hawks and the Philadelphia 76ers, where his strategic acumen truly shone.
Shaping Champions in Philadelphia
During his tenure from 1974 to 1986 as the general manager of the 76ers, Williams masterminded trades that brought Julius Erving and Moses Malone to Philadelphia. These pivotal moves culminated in the Sixers capturing their third championship in 1983, a testament to Williams' visionary management. His efforts not only shaped the team's success on the court but also influenced the broader landscape of NBA team building.
Bringing Magic to Orlando
In 1986, Williams, together with Jimmy Hewitt, embarked on a mission to bring an NBA franchise to Orlando. Their vision materialized when the NBA awarded Orlando an expansion franchise in 1987, leading to the birth of the Orlando Magic in the 1989 season with Williams as the team's first general manager. This monumental achievement was celebrated by Orlando Magic Chairman Dan DeVos and CEO Alex Martins, who stated, "Pat Williams simply brought magic to Orlando."
Building a Legacy in Central Florida
Under Williams' guidance, the Magic drafted Shaquille O'Neal with the first overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft, a move that would forever alter the team's fortunes. O'Neal, alongside Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, proved instrumental in leading the Magic to their first NBA Finals appearance in 1995. Reflecting on Williams' impact, DeVos and Martins remarked, "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 Friend and Visionary
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the depth of Williams' influence within the basketball community. "There is no Orlando Magic without Pat Williams," Silver noted, highlighting Williams' foundational role in the franchise. He added, "He was held in such high regard in the basketball community and was a friend to me and so many generations of league executives."
Honors and Retirement
Williams' career was decorated with accolades, including the prestigious John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012. In 2014, he was inducted into the inaugural class of the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame, solidifying his status as a permanent figure in the annals of the sport’s history. Even in his retirement in 2019, Williams remained an inspiring figure, famously telling The Athletic, "Even though I'm retired from basketball, I am not retiring from life."
As the sports world mourns the loss of Pat Williams, his legacy as a visionary leader and beloved community figure endures. His impact on the NBA and the city of Orlando is indelible, marked by his unyielding optimism, relentless innovation, and a lifetime of contributions that transcended the game of basketball.