Pat Williams Leaves Indelible Legacy In NBA And Orlando The co-founder of the Orlando Magic transformed sports marketing and inspired generations of playersPat Williams, a vibrant and charismatic figure in the world of professional basketball, passed away on July 17 at the age of 84 due to complications from viral pneumonia. Renowned as a co-founder of the Orlando Magic and a prominent executive in the NBA for more than five decades, Williams left an indelible mark on the sport and its culture. His journey in basketball began well before the birth of the Orlando Magic. During his time with the Magic, Williams oversaw numerous critical aspects of the franchise's development, including the hires that led to the team's high-profile Finals appearance in 1995. Beyond his executive role, Williams was a prolific author and motivational speaker, with over 100 books to his name.

Source: New York Times July 30, 2024 01:03 UTC