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.”
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) July 18, 2024
Others in the NBA world mourned Williams’ passing.
Prayers to Pat Williams and his family!! A truly amazing man with a heart of Gold. May God comfort his loved ones! I know without a doubt he passed knowing Jesus Christ as his lord and Savior! A full life, lived well!! 🙏🏽🕊️
— Jonathan Judah Isaac (@JJudahIsaac) July 18, 2024
Pat Williams is one of the most important figures in Orlando’s history. He’s the sports Walt Disney.
He wanted to bring baseball to the city so badly. He really believed in it too.
His legacy in bringing the Magic to town, and the Shaq/Penny coup, is firmly cemented. https://t.co/8PJYQhZH9p
— Jon Alba (@JonAlba) July 18, 2024
One of a kind. Our community was blessed to have Pat Williams as a neighbor! https://t.co/GC4RBg8boY
— Jamie Seh (@jamieseh) July 18, 2024
Pat Williams was a true NBA titan and synonymous with the Magic. One of the most gregarious, quotable, welcoming and positive figures that this league has ever seen. #RIP https://t.co/R75RUDGRTy
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 18, 2024
Sad, sad news..the passing of
Pat Williams.
Brought the NBA To Orlando.
In 1989..changed my life and the lives of my family by giving me the opportunity to work for the Magic.
He was a one of a kind sports visionary.
I will miss my great friend and mentor.— David Steele (@steelemagic) July 18, 2024
“Pat Williams simply brought magic to Orlando.”
The founder of the @OrlandoMagic has died at the age of 84. Reading a statement here from Magic Chairman Dan DeVos and CEO Alex Martins.
“He was an incredible visionary.” pic.twitter.com/tkICdyiYkR
— Alex Walker (@AlexWalkerTV) July 18, 2024
RIP Pat Williams – architect of the legendary world champion 1983 @sixers and one of the all-time great general managers with the 4th most wins vs losses in NBA history (1151 wins vs only 817 losses)
— Daryl Morey 🗽🏀 (@dmorey) July 18, 2024
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]