Influential NBA executive Pat Williams honored after passing away

Longtime NBA executive Pat Williams passed away on Wednesday.

Williams was part of the group that helped bring the Orlando Magic into the NBA and served as the team’s first general manager.

The Magic issued a statement on Williams’ passing on Wednesday night.

“Pat Williams simply brought magic to Orlando,” the statement, which the Magic shared on X, said. “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. From bringing the Magic to Orlando, to transforming sports marketing and promotions, he was always ahead of the curve. Pat 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.”

Others in the NBA world mourned Williams’ passing.

As general manager of the Magic, Williams drafted Shaquille O’Neal with the first overall pick in 1992. The following year, he executed the Draft Day trade that brought Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway to the Magic. Orlando became one of the NBA’s top teams, making the NBA Finals in 1995.

Williams first joined the NBA in the late 1960s as business manager of the Philadelphia 76ers. In the following years, he worked with the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks before returning to Philadelphia as general manager. His second tenure in Philadelphia included winning the 1983 NBA Finals over the Los Angeles Lakers, a championship sparked by an offseason trade for Moses Malone.

Williams was 84.

[Orlando Magic on X, Photo Credit: WFTV in Orlando on YouTube]