Pat Williams, the co-founder of the NBA franchise Orlando Magic, has passed away at the age of 84.
On Wednesday, the team announced that Williams died peacefully after experiencing complications from viral pneumonia.
Williams’ career spanned more than five decades, including 30-plus years with the Orlando Magic and over 50 years in the NBA.
“Pat Williams simply brought magic to Orlando,” reads a statement from the DeVos family and the Orlando Magic. “His accomplishments will always be remembered. Armed with his ever-present optimism and unparalleled energy, he was an incredible visionary who helped transform the world of sports in multiple ways.”
In 1986, Williams and local businessman Jimmy Hewit began the process of bringing an NBA team to Orlando. The following year, on April 22, the NBA granted an expansion franchise to Orlando.
Two decades earlier, in 1968, Williams began his NBA career as the business manager of the Philadelphia 76ers. At the young age of 29, he joined the Chicago Bulls, becoming the league’s first general manager.
Over a 27-year period, Williams served as the general manager of the Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks, and Philadelphia 76ers, winning an NBA title with the Sixers in 1983.
Williams would also serve as the general manager of the Orlando Magic until 1996, when he was promoted to the role of senior vice president.
In 2012, Williams was the recipient of a lifetime achievement award by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
The DeVos family and Orlando Magic concluded their joint statement on Wednesday with the following message: “(Pat Williams) forever changed the sports landscape in Orlando. He shined a light on what those who called Orlando home already knew – that Central Florida was a fabulous place to live, work and play. We all owe him a debt of gratitude and he will certainly be missed, but never forgotten.”