Pat Williams, an iconic National Basketball Association executive known for helping found the Orlando Magic, has passed away at 84 years old due to complications from viral pneumonia.
Williams began his career in sports as a catcher for the Miami Marlins minor league team in the Florida State League for two years.
Williams was soon moved into a front office position for the Marlins before being named general manager for the Spartanburg Phillies. After spending three years in the Minnesota Twins organization, Williams would make his mark on the NBA.
After spending a year with the Philadelphia 76ers, Williams would join the Chicago Bulls as GM in 1970. During this time, he would help create Benny the Bull, one of the most iconic mascots in sports history.
Still, his greatest contributions would come after his time with Chicago and a year with the Atlanta Hawks. Williams soon found himself back with the 76ers in 1974, this time as GM. In his 12 years with the team, Williams would bring on Moses Malone, Julius Irving, Maurice Cheeks, and Andrew Toney to lead the team to its third and most recent NBA Championship.
After leaving the 76ers because of frustrations at not being able to build a franchise, Williams co-founded the Orlando Magic with businessman Jim L. Hewitt. He helped lead the team to their first Conference Title in 1995 by drafting Shaquille O'Neal and trading for Penny Hardaway.
In all his time in the NBA, Williams led his teams to 23 NBA Playoffs and five Finals. In 2012, he received the John Bunn Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame.
Williams is survived by his first wife Jill, second wife Ruth, and 19 children.
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