Basketball Hall of Famer Wes Unseld passes away
WES Unseld, a Hall of Famer and one of just two players to win the NBA Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the same season, died on Tuesday morning. He was 74.
A statement from Unseld’s family said he had been battling health issues for some time, most recently pneumonia. “He was our hero and loved playing and working around the game of basketball for the cities of Baltimore and Washington DC, cities he proudly wore on his chest for so many years,” the statement said.
After a stellar collegiate career at Louisville, Unseld was drafted second overall by the Baltimore Bullets in 1968. He averaged 13.8 points and 18.2 rebounds in his first season as the team jumped from last place to first in the Eastern Division. Unseld won both Rookie of the Year and MVP in 1969, joining Wilt Chamberlain as the only players to receive both awards in the same season. He is widely regarded as the greatest player in Baltimore/Washington franchise history.
“His physical prowess, undeniable talent and oncourt demeanour may have struck fear in opponents throughout the NBA, but he will be remembered best as a mentor, leader and friend,” Washington Wizards General Manager Tommy Sheppard said in a statement.
Led by the rugged Unseld, the Bullets reached four NBA Finals in the 1970s, the most of any franchise. They won their only championship in 1978, with Unseld earning Finals MVP honours. Unseld spent his entire 13-year career with the franchise, averaging 10.8 points, 14.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 984 games. The five-time All-Star was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1988.
Unseld also coached the franchise from 1988-94, compiling a 202-345 record. He also served as the franchise’s vice president for six years before coaching and as general manager from 1996-2003. Unseld also was active in the Baltimore and Washington communities.