Knicks legend, HOF center Reed dies at 80

Willis Reed, the legendary captain and star center for the New York Knicks who led the franchise to its only two championships and was the author of one of the signature moments in NBA history, has died. He was 80.

“The Knicks organization is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Captain, Willis Reed,” the Knicks said in a statement issued Tuesday afternoon. “As we mourn, we will always strive to uphold the standards he left behind -- the unmatched leadership, sacrifice and work ethic that personified him as a champion among champions.

“His is a legacy that will live forever. We ask everyone to please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.”

Reed, a burly, physical presence in the post across his 10 years in the NBA -- all with the Knicks -- was the NBA’S Rookie of the Year in 1965 and its Most Valuable Player in 1970, as well as a seven-time All-star and a five-time ALL-NBA selection.

He was also eventually named to the NBA’S 50th and 75th anniversary teams.

Rockets, spent 11 days in a Florida counseling facility in the wake of him brandishing a handgun during an early morning Instagram Live video stream from a Denver-area strip club on March 4.

“Obviously took that time to better myself, get in a better space mentally,” Morant said. “It’s an ongoing process, a continued process for me. Obviously, I’ve been there for two weeks, but that doesn’t mean I’m completely better. So that’s an ongoing process for me that I’ve still been continuing since I’ve come out.”