Orlando Magic Co-Founder Pat Williams Dies at 84
Trailblazing Executive and NBA Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Williams Played a Pivotal Role in the Founding of the Magic and the NBA's Expansion
Orlando Magic co-founder Pat Williams passed away on Wednesday at the age of 84, the team announced in a news release. Williams, who was also a recipient of the Basketball Hall of Fame's Lifetime Achievement Award, played a pivotal role in the founding of the Magic and the NBA's expansion into Florida.
Williams was born on August 26, 1937, in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. He began his career in the NBA as a scout for the Philadelphia 76ers in 1960. In 1985, he joined a group of investors led by Orlando businessman Jimmy Hewitt to bring an NBA team to Orlando. The Magic were founded in 1989, and Williams served as the team's general manager for the first 10 years of its existence.
During his time with the Magic, Williams was known for his innovative marketing and promotional ideas. He was also instrumental in the development of the team's mascot, Stuff the Magic Dragon. Williams left the Magic in 1999 to become the general manager of the Washington Wizards. He later returned to the Magic as a consultant in 2006.
Williams was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018. He was also the recipient of the NBA's Executive of the Year Award in 1996.
Williams' death is a major loss for the NBA community. He was a true pioneer and visionary who helped to shape the league as we know it today.
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