NBA News: New York Knicks Legend Willis Reed Dead At 80

The NBA has received some very tragic news today. New York Knicks legend, Willis Reed has died at the age of 80. His career was one of a kind! Although the cause of death has yet to be revealed, let’s look at his lengthy career in the NBA.

Willis Reed’s Amazing Career

If there is one thing that NBA fans know about the New York Knicks, is that they have had some legendary players in their franchise. Willis Reed was no different. He was known as “The Captain” by the Knicks players and he gave it his all. More so, he was a player, a coach, and a general manager. He played for ten seasons and in 1974, he decided that it was time for him to hang up his jersey. This did not keep him from being part of the team though. Additionally, he moved on to coach with the Nets when they played in New Jersey and served as an executive with them as well.

He was also an executive with the New Orleans Hornets from 2004-2007. It was clear that Willis Reed could never get away from basketball, it was truly in his blood. Diehard Knicks fans will remember that Reed was actually one of the first to have his number retired. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982. More so, he was named one of the top 50 greatest players in NBA history in 1996-1977.

There were plenty of moments in his career that fans look back on, however only one sticks with most of them. It happened in 1970 during the NBA finals. Reed had taken a fall in Game 5 and his team wasn’t sure that he would play. Additionally, he missed Game 6, but in Game 7 he decided it was now or never. Willis Reed got the ovation of a lifetime. However, even players like Wilt Chamberlain were shocked to see him back on the court. That night, he scored 29 points in the first half and led his Knicks to beat the Lakers 113-99.

Reed’s Tributes

With the news of Willis Reed’s death, social media has exploded with tributes to the legend. One of his former teammates wrote, “He was totally about the team. That manifested in so many ways. Just those three words, ‘our greatest victory’ left an impression on me.” Bobby Marks from ESPN wrote, “What I remember about Willis is he would always carry a blue Sharpie with him wherever he went, and he’d always have a stack of pictures with him from when he played for the Knicks. And he’d go out of his way, whether it was those pictures or a basketball, he would never turn anyone down. It’s a lasting remembrance I always think about, giving back to people who are less fortunate.”

Do you follow the Knicks or basketball in general? Were you aware of how talented Willis Reed was? We would love to hear what you think in the comments below, especially if you’re a Knicks fan! TV Shows Ace sends compassion and healing to the friends and family of Willis Reed. Stay here for more updates.