Michael Nyarko
Former New York Knicks captain, Willis Reed, has passed away at the age of 80. The Hall of Famer who spent all his 10-year career in the NBA with the Knicks, died on March 21. In this article, however, we’ll delve into Willis Reed cause of death. This is because, fans want to know what actually happened to Reed as his death was sudden.
He was born on June 25, 1942, in Louisiana and played college basketball at Grambling State University. During his 10-year career with the Knicks, Reed won two NBA championships. The first championship was in 1970, and the second one in 1973. Reed was also named the NBA Finals MVP in 1970. He was a seven-time NBA All-Star and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982. After retiring from playing, Reed went on to have a successful coaching career, serving as both a head coach and assistant coach in the NBA.
Now, back to the main topic.
Willis Reed cause of death
Reed died of heart failure. The former player was battling congestive heart problems over the past year. This has been revealed by a friend of Reed and longtime NBA reporter, Peter Vecsey, in a tweet.
“Just received word that Willis Reed, 80, passed this morning. He has suffered from congestive heart problems over the past year or so, and was going through rehab to walk,” Vecsey tweeted.
Reactions to Willis Reed’s death
Since the news of Reed’s demise hit the internet, reactions have been pouring. The league, fans, former and current NBA players as well as coaches, have all reacted Reed’s death.
“Willis Reed was the ultimate team player and consummate leader,” NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver, said in a statement. He continued; “He played the game with remarkable passion and determination, and his inspiring comeback in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals remains one of the most iconic moments in all of sports. …Willis Was a decorated player who took great pride in his consistency.”
The New York Knicks, in a statement, also paid tribute to their former player and coach.
In a tweet, the team wrote: “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,” the team stated, concluding that “His is a legacy that will live forever.”
Our Captain. pic.twitter.com/2Bg1ro4y37
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 21, 2023
Willis Reed stats
Here are some of his career statistics:
- Points per game: 18.7
- Total rebounds per game: 12.9
- Assists per game: 1.8
- Blocks per game: 0.9
- Field goal percentage: 47.3%
- Free throw percentage: 75.5%