SEATTLE – Lenny Wilkens was all smiles as he admired the bronze statue immortalizing him at the site where he achieved his most significant coaching success.
The former Seattle SuperSonics player and coach received the honor of being the first person to have a statue unveiled in front of Climate Pledge Arena.
Wilkens led the Seattle SuperSonics to their historic NBA championship in 1979. The impressive 6-foot, 700-pound statue was sculpted by Lou Cella, based in Chicago. Interestingly, the sculpture captures Wilkens in his role as a player rather than as a coach. Notably, Lou Cella is also the artist behind the statues of Don James, the famous University of Washington football coach, and baseball legends Ken Griffey Jr. and Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners.
At 87 years old, Wilkens humbly acknowledged his accomplishments, saying, “I’ve been blessed. I’ll be the first to tell you.” During his illustrious career, Wilkens spent 15 seasons in the NBA, which included four seasons with the SuperSonics. He was a nine-time All-Star with an average of 16.7 points and 6.5 assists per game.
Climate Pledge Arena, now home to the WNBA’s Seattle Storm and the NHL’s Seattle Kraken, has yet to host an NBA game under its current name. Known as KeyArena when the SuperSonics played there, the venue underwent a massive $1.15 billion renovation before reopening in 2021. After the Sonics became the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2008, that franchise recently clinched the NBA title.
In the near future, Wilkens’ statue will be joined by another prominent figure. Sue Bird, a beloved four-time WNBA champion and long-serving point guard for the Storm, is set to have her statue unveiled outside the arena on August 17.
Alisha Valavanis, the president and CEO of the Seattle Storm, expressed the significance of both figures by stating, “Lenny Wilkens’ legacy in this city is undeniable — he helped lay the foundation for Seattle’s deep love of the game. Both Lenny and Sue have brought home championships, inspired generations and helped shape Seattle into the incredible basketball city that it is today.” She went on to add, “The Storm are honored to be part of this monumental moment for Lenny, and we can’t wait to celebrate Sue and all that she’s meant to our city when we unveil her statue later this summer.”
Attending the ceremony were former SuperSonics stars such as Spencer Haywood, Jack Sikma, Detlef Schrempf, Nate McMillan, and Coach George Karl. McMillan likened Wilkens’ influence on the Sonics to the legendary impact of Jerry West on the Los Angeles Lakers and Michael Jordan on the Chicago Bulls.
As an NBA coach, Wilkens ranks third in career wins with a total of 1,332 victories, following only Gregg Popovich and Don Nelson.
“He’s one of the greatest leaders the NBA has ever seen,” McMillan commented, underscoring Wilkens’ profound legacy in the sport.