Pat Williams, one of the co-founders of the Orlando Magic and a figure with over 50 years in the NBA, passed away on Wednesday due to complications from viral pneumonia, the team confirmed.
Williams began his NBA journey as the business manager for the Philadelphia 76ers in 1968. Over the years, he served as general manager for the Chicago Bulls, the Atlanta Hawks, and again for the 76ers, contributing to the latter’s championship win in 1983.
In the mid-1980s, Williams played a key role in the effort to bring an NBA team to Orlando. Following approval from the league’s board of governors in 1987, the Orlando Magic began playing in 1989.
Orlando Magic Chairman Dan DeVos and CEO Alex Martins expressed, “Pat Williams brought magic to Orlando. His achievements will always be remembered.” They highlighted Williams’ optimism, energy, and vision, noting his impact on sports marketing and promotions.
Williams continued to serve the Magic as general manager until his promotion to senior vice president in 1996.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver remarked, “There is no Orlando Magic without Pat Williams,” emphasizing his respected place within the basketball community and his enduring influence on multiple generations of league executives. Silver praised Williams for his kindness, support, and boundless enthusiasm throughout his extensive NBA career.
Williams always pushed for more in Orlando. He often talked about why he wanted the city to have a Major League Soccer team, which it eventually got. Even as recently as last year, he was trying to gather support to bring a Major League Baseball team to Orlando.
Baseball was Williams’ first passion. He played at Wake Forest University and signed with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1962. He later worked in their front office and was recognized as the Minor League Executive of the Year by The Sporting News in 1967.
“Pat loved challenges. When he moved our family to Orlando to start the Magic, he was bursting with excitement and energy every day,” Williams’ family said in a statement.
“He taught us to believe that anything is possible because of his unwavering enthusiasm for what he loved. Whether at games, church, or social events, he treated everyone warmly and always had an encouraging word. He was generous, a mentor, the ultimate supporter, and he loved learning throughout his life.”
Williams earned the nickname “king of the lottery” for his success with the Magic at the NBA’s annual draft lottery. Three times during his tenure, the Magic won the top draft pick, bringing Shaquille O’Neal, Anfernee Hardaway, and Dwight Howard to Orlando.
“Most teams have a trophy case full of trophies,” Williams once told The Associated Press. “We have a case filled with ping pong balls.”
Williams always pushed for more in Orlando. He often talked about why he wanted the city to have a Major League Soccer team, which it eventually got. Even as recently as last year, he was trying to gather support to bring a Major League Baseball team to Orlando.
Baseball was Williams’ first passion. He played at Wake Forest University and signed with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1962. He later worked in their front office and was recognized as the Minor League Executive of the Year by The Sporting News in 1967.
“Pat loved challenges. When he moved our family to Orlando to start the Magic, he was bursting with excitement and energy every day,” Williams’ family said in a statement.
“He taught us to believe that anything is possible because of his unwavering enthusiasm for what he loved. Whether at games, church, or social events, he treated everyone warmly and always had an encouraging word. He was generous, a mentor, the ultimate supporter, and he loved learning throughout his life.”
Williams earned the nickname “king of the lottery” for his success with the Magic at the NBA’s annual draft lottery. Three times during his tenure, the Magic won the top draft pick, bringing Shaquille O’Neal, Anfernee Hardaway, and Dwight Howard to Orlando.
“Most teams have a trophy case full of trophies,” Williams once told The Associated Press. “We have a case filled with ping pong balls.”
