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His calming presence and experience helped restore the Raptors' image, while infusing Alvin Williams with much-needed confidence.
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Published Nov 10, 2025 • Last updated 5 minutes ago • 4 minute read
Lenny Wilkens; Vince Carter
The Raptors Vince Carter listens to head coach Lenny Wilkens back in the day. Photo by SUN files /SUN files
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Lenny Wilkens left a legacy that will be hard to match in basketball.
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In many ways, it will never be replicated.
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During his era, Wilkens was among the very best.
As a head coach, he led Seattle to an NBA title in 1979 a year after taking them to the final and losing in seven games.
He was an assistant on Chuck Daly’s staff on the iconic 1992 U.S. Olympic Dream Team.
A three-time inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Wilkens did everything and saw everything basketball had to offer.
It was with heavy hearts when his family announced the passing of Wilkens Sunday, a man who oozed class and dignity.
Think of Wilkens and people such as Wayne Embry immediately come to mind.
When you think of each, their ties to the Raptors are as undeniable as they are enduring.
During the history of the Raptors, which is in the midst of their 31st season, twice the franchise underwent changes that were altering.
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The first arrived in the early days involving an ownership overhaul, triggering a series of earth-shattering events that would see the general manager depart, the head coach and the team’s first franchise player.
The second arrived that would usher in Wilkens’ time in Toronto.
Amid the tumult, a steady hand was required, a calming presence that would not rock the boat.
Wilkens certainly fit the bill.
The NBA took notice of the chaos surrounding the Raptors, which is why many believed it was then commissioner David Stern who recommended, a few would argue insisted, on Wilkens serving as head coach.
The Raptors had just qualified for their first playoffs only to be dispatched in three games by the New York Knicks.
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Wilkens Mentored Williams
When Wilkens was hired, he inherited a club led by Vince Carter, who was surrounded by veteran pieces who knew the game and understood their roles.
Under Wilkens, Alvin Williams was able to develop.
Just before his arrival, Williams was dealt to Boston, but the Celtics nixed the deal after Williams underwent his physical and a knee issue was detected.
That twist of fate and Wilkens’ trust in Williams would pay off when the Raptors won their first post-season series in New York against the Knicks.
Fittingly, it was Williams draining the game-sealing jumper from the right wing off a feed from Carter at Madison Square Garden.
The franchise’s first shining moment had been achieved, which would ultimately pave the way for the club’s 2019 NBA title.
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So much of what Wilkens was able to accomplish during his run as head coach was organic, beginning with Carter and his emergence.
At the same time, the Carter-led Raptors didn’t fulfill their potential, expiring to the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7 of the Eastern semifinal when Carter missed the game-winner at the buzzer right in front of Toronto’s bench area.
Viewed from the lens of the championship run, that shot and that season don’t resonate as much, but to forget that 2001 season would be foolish.
Wilkens oversaw a team full of characters, both in the literal and figurative sense.
That quality alone has never been present for any other Raptors team.
Deeply Trusted Confidant
One of the most unsung individuals was Stan (The Man) Albeck, one of basketball’s legendary figures.
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Albeck was Wilkens’ right hand man with the Raptors and a deeply trusted confidant.
When Wilkens was head coach of the Atlanta Hawks, Albeck served as his assistant.
For two years, Albeck was Wilkens’ top assistant in Toronto.
Thirty minutes prior to a tip against the visiting Miami Heat in 2001, Albeck suffered a stroke inside the Raptors’ locker room.
Albeck was 70 and turned red, unable to talk as the Raptors were about to start a pre-game meeting.
Albeck was never the same and neither was Wilkens.
When Albeck suffered his stroke, he sat over at Eric Montross’ locker.
Montross, Albeck and now Wilkens have passed away.
In the history of the Raptors, the franchise has featured 10 head coaches.
Two have passed away.
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Sadly, following the death of Brendan Malone, the franchise’s first head coach, no acknowledgment was made when his son, Michael, brought his Denver Nuggets to town for a game early last season.
What better way to honour Brendan Malone than having Michael take part in a half-court ceremony.
Nothing.
Brendan Malone coached one season, but what he preached and demanded helped establish a foundation.
Wilkens had a longer and more productive run.
An Honour Is Due
It would be completely stupid if Wilkens isn’t honoured in the arena (the club sent out social media messages remembering him), beginning with Monday’s home date against the Charlotte Hornets, the next time Toronto is back in town following its five-game road trip.
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Wilkens coached Dell Curry in Toronto.
Since 2009, Curry has served as a colour analyst on Charlotte Hornets’ TV broadcasts.
Just saying, but it would be nice to have Curry and his former Raptors teammate Williams, now a Raptors TV analyst) involved in some kind of moment to recognize Wilkens.
Not saying Wilkens was the Raptors’ best head coach because he wasn’t.
He was, though, the right man at a time when stability was required.
Did he get the most out of his players?
The answer is no.
Leading 2-1 in the series against the Allen Iverson led Sixers, Wilkens held a practice at the Air Canada Centre on the eve of Game 4 that was less than competitive.
The history of the Raptors is one of the most fascinating Toronto sports has seen.
The Raptors’ history cannot be retold without Lenny Wilkens.
May he rest in peace.
fzicarelli@postmedia.com
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