UNSELD DIES
Hall of Fame center Wes Unseld died at age 74
WASHINGTON — Wes Unseld, t he workmanlike Hall of Fame center who l ed Washington to its only NBA championship and was chosen one of the 50 greatest players in league history, died Tuesday after a series of health issues, most recently pneumonia. He was 74.
Uns el d' s family announced his death via a statement released by the Washington Wizards, the franchise he was with throughout his entire 13-season playing career and also worked for as a coach and general manager.
“Those of us who were fortunate enough to spend time with Wes knew him as a gen erou sand thoughtful man whose strong will was matched only by his passion and drive for up lifting others ,” current Wizards GM Tommy Sheppard said. “His physical prowess, undeniable talent and oncourt demeanor may have struck fear in opponents throughout the NBA, but he will be remembered best as a mentor, leader and friend.”
A five-time All-Star and, along with Wilt Chamberlain, one of only two players to win NBA Rookie of t he Year and MVP honors in the same season, Unseld instantly made the team then known as the Baltimore Bullets into a winner after he was taken with the No. 2 overall pick behind future teammate El vin Hayes in the 1968 draft.
A decade later, Unseld was the MVP of the 1 978 NBA Finals as t he Bullets beat the Seattle SuperSonics in a sevengame series best known for Washington coach Dick Motta's proclamation :“The opera ain' t over until the fat lady sings.”
Listed at 6- foot -7 and 245 pounds, Unseld overcame tall er players and bad knees with a strong work ethic and lots of grunt work in the paint. He was a tenacious rebounder and strong passer.
Unseldw as inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988, his first year of eligibility.
“I never played pretty,” Unseldsai don the day he was elected. “I wasn't flashy. My contributions were in the things most people don't notice. They weren't in high scoring or dunking or behind-theback passes.”
Wesley Sissel Unseld was born March 14, 1946, in Louisville, Kentucky, where he won two state championship at Seneca High School and then stayed home for college, attending the University of Louisville.
He averaged 20.6 points and 18.9 rebounds over his four years with the Cardinals.
In the NBA,Unseld averaged 10.8 points and 14 rebounds for his career.
His aching knees forced Unseld to stop playing in 1981, but he remained with the franchise that would eventually retire his No. 41 jersey.
Unseldworke din Washington' s front office, then was head coach for nearly seven seasons from 1987-94, compiling a 202-345 record with one playoff appearance. He also had as even-years tint as general manager from 1996-03, when the team made one other trip to the playoffs.
Unseld is survived by his wife, Connie, daughter Kim, son Wes Unseld Jr ., and two grandchildren. Wes Jr. is an assistant coach with the Denver Nuggets.