Lenny Wilkens Statue Unveiling

Seattle NBA Fans Celebrates Lenny Wilkens with upcoming statue unveiling

Fans are invited to sign a petition to extend Lenny Wilkens Way

SEATTLE – June 23, 2025 – Seattle NBA Fans, a volunteer coalition dedicated to supporting the return of the NBA to Seattle, invites Sonics fans to celebrate former Sonics player and coach, Lenny Wilkens, in a statue unveiling at Climate Pledge Arena on Saturday, June 28 at noon. A petition has also been created to extend Lenny Wilkens Way to the waterfront. 

Lenny Wilkens, the Seattle sports icon, played for the Sonics from 1968 to 1972 and coached the team from 1977 to 1985. He coached the Sonics team that won a championship in 1979. Wilkens has been inducted three times into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, first in 1989 as a player, as a coach in 1998, and in 2010 as part of the 1992 United States Olympic "Dream Team" for which he was an assistant coach.

“Sonics fans see Lenny Wilkens as a key figure in Sonics history as he was an All-Star player for the team who then went on to coach the Sonics to our sole NBA Championship in 1979,” said Cedric Walker, spokesperson for Seattle NBA Fans. “At Seattle NBA Fans, we are inspired by his impact off the court as a civic leader, philanthropist and role model. Let’s come together to celebrate the man who has done so much for Seattle basketball.” 

In 2021, Coach Wilkens had a street named after him when the city named Lenny Wilkens Way from Climate Pledge Arena to First Avenue North. There is currently a petition to extend Lenny Wilkens Way all the way to the waterfront where it connects with Elliott Avenue West. Join Seattle NBA Fans Saturday, June 28 at 1 p.m. after the statue unveiling for the official launch of Wilkens to the Waterfront at Queen Anne Beerhall. 

“Before every other big name in Seattle sports, there was Lenny Wilkens. His impact on this city reaches far beyond the court — he’s a true local treasure,” said Gary Szeredy, owner and president of The Hall Group. “Extending Lenny Wilkens Way all the way from the iconic Seattle Center to the waterfront isn’t just fitting — it’s long overdue. And with the World Cup coming to Seattle next year, this road will proudly serve as part of the Unity Loop, connecting our waterfront to Seattle Center and reminding the world of the legends who helped shape this city.”

To sign the petition to extend Lenny Wilkens Way, please visit: https://www.change.org/p/extend-lenny-wilkins-way-for-a-fitting-tribute-to-our-icon 

About Seattle NBA Fans:

Seattle NBA Fans is a volunteer coalition dedicated to supporting the return of the NBA to Seattle, the nation’s 14th-largest media market. We are passionate about our region and committed to its growth and success. For more information, please visit: seattlenbafans.com

About The Hall Group:

The Hall Group is a passionate and innovative collective dedicated to crafting memorable experiences through food, beer, people and community. The Hall Group venues include the Queen Anne Beerhall, Moss Bay Hall in Kirkland and the newly opened Hall at Occidental near Lumen Field.

Contact:

Pete Voss, Media Relations Director

pete@petevosspr.com

206.898.8378

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