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SEATTLE (AP)— Lenny Wilkens couldn’t contain his joy as he admired a bronze statue of himself, honoring his most significant coaching achievement.
On Saturday, the former player and coach of the Seattle SuperSonics became the inaugural honoree with a statue unveiled outside Climate Pledge Arena.
Wilkens was instrumental in leading the Sonics to victory in the 1979 NBA Championship. However, the 6-foot, 700-pound statue, crafted by Chicago artist Lou Cella, portrays him in his playing days. Cella has also created statues of notable figures such as former University of Washington football coach Don James and Seattle Mariners legends Ken Griffey Jr. and Edgar Martinez.
“I’ve been truly fortunate,” said the 87-year-old Wilkens. “I’ll be the first to admit that.”
Playing as a point guard, Wilkens enjoyed a 15-season NBA career, four of which were spent in Seattle, and earned nine All-Star selections. He averaged 16.7 points and 6.5 assists throughout his career.
Lenny.pic.twitter.com/I324mt0dOz
— Chris Daniels (@ChrisDaniels_TV) June 28, 2025
Climate Pledge Arena, which hosts the WNBA’s Seattle Storm and NHL’s Seattle Kraken, has yet to stage an NBA game since its renovation. Previously known as KeyArena when the Sonics played there, it reopened in 2021 following a $1.15 billion overhaul. The Sonics relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008, becoming the Thunder; that franchise clinched the NBA title this month.
Wilkens’ statue will soon be joined by another, as longtime Storm point guard and four-time WNBA champion Sue Bird is set to have her statue unveiled outside the arena on August 17.
“The legacy of Lenny Wilkens in this city is undeniable—he played a crucial role in fostering Seattle’s deep passion for basketball. Lenny and Sue have both brought home championships, inspired generations, and contributed immensely to Seattle’s reputation as an amazing basketball town,” said Alisha Valavanis, president and CEO of the Storm, in a statement. “We are thrilled to participate in this significant occasion for Lenny, and we look forward to celebrating Sue and her contributions to our city when we unveil her statue later this summer.”
A member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame three times, Wilkens was surrounded by SuperSonics alumni like Spencer Haywood, Jack Sikma, Detlef Schrempf, Nate McMillan, and coach George Karl at the ceremony. McMillan noted that Wilkens’ influence on the Sonics was comparable to that of Jerry West on the Los Angeles Lakers and Michael Jordan on the Chicago Bulls.
Wilkens ranks third all-time in career coaching victories in the NBA with 1,332, trailing only Gregg Popovich and Don Nelson.
“He’s one of the finest leaders the NBA has ever known,” McMillan remarked.
