Pat Williams, a Corridor of Fame government and co-founder of the Magic, has died at 84, the workforce introduced (by way of Twitter).
“Pat Williams merely introduced magic to Orlando,” workforce Chairman Dan DeVos and CEO Alex Martins stated in a joint assertion. “His accomplishments will all the time be remembered. Armed along with his ever-present optimism and unparalleled vitality, he was an unimaginable visionary who helped remodel the world of sports activities in a number of methods. From bringing the Magic to Orlando, to remodeling sports activities advertising and marketing and promotions, he was all the time forward of the curve. Pat eternally modified the sports activities panorama in Orlando. He shined a lightweight on what those that known as Orlando dwelling already knew – that Central Florida was a wonderful place to reside, work and play. All of us owe him a debt of gratitude and he will definitely be missed, however by no means forgotten.”
In 1986, Williams teamed with native businessman Jimmy Hewitt in an effort to convey an NBA workforce to Orlando. They had been authorized for an growth franchise in April of 1987, and the workforce performed its first sport in 1989.
Williams began his lengthy NBA profession because the Sixers’ enterprise supervisor in 1968. He staged spectacular halftime reveals that helped Philadelphia turn into one of many league’s most profitable groups when it comes to attendance.
He was provided the overall supervisor’s position in Chicago at age 29, and his legacy with the group consists of the creation of mascot Benny the Bull. He moved on to the Hawks as normal supervisor in 1973 and a yr later turned GM in Philadelphia, holding the job for 12 years and serving to to construct the 1983 championship roster. Williams additionally served as GM in Orlando till 1996, when he was promoted to senior vp.
He introduced his retirement in 2019 after a profession that included greater than 30 years with the Magic and greater than 5 a long time within the NBA.
“He was the very best husband, father and grandfather and brother anybody may ask for — a warrior, a hero, a visionary, however most significantly, a larger-than-life follower of Jesus,” the Williams household stated in an announcement. “He beloved a problem, and when he moved our household to Orlando to begin the Magic, he was full of pleasure and vitality that he displayed each day. All of us grew up believing that something is feasible due to his unwavering enthusiasm for what he was keen about.”
Our condolences exit to Pat’s household and pals.
