Washington Wizards News

Home

Quizzes

Watch

Newsletter

Washington Bullets legend Wes Unseld has passed away at 74. Photo by Focus on Sport via Getty Images

Basketball world mourns passing of the legendary Wes Unseld

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Vincent Frank | Last updated 6/2/20

The Washington Wizards and broader NBA world lost an absolute legend on Tuesday. The Wizards announced via their official Twitter account that Hall of Famer and five-time All-Star Wes Unseld has passed away at the age of 74.

The announcement indicated that Unseld had been dealing with multiple health issues over the past several years. Most recently, pneumonia.

Statement from the family of Wes Unseld.

Rest easy, Wes ♥️ pic.twitter.com/NwEtuofgG9
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) June 2, 2020

The No. 2 overall pick of the then Baltimore Bullets back in 1968, Unseld’s career spanned 14 seasons. He won the title and earned NBA Finals MVP in 1978 en route to helping Washington defeat Seattle.

All said, Unseld earned five trips to the NBA All-Star Game and won Rookie of the Year in 1969 before calling it a career. He ultimately served as the Bullets’ head coach from 1988-94 before leading the organization’s front office years later.

Needless to say, the basketball world mourned Unseld in a big way after his passing became public record.

Wes Unseld was arguably the greatest basketball player ever produced in Kentucky. Two-time Sweet Sixteen champion & 1964 Mr. Basketball at Seneca. All-American at U of L. NBA MVP, Rookie of the Year and an NBA champion with Washington. He was also a stand-up guy. May he RIP https://t.co/eQ6vIk9qWg
— Mark Story (@markcstory) June 2, 2020

The basketball community has lost a Legend. Our hearts are with the family, friends and fans of Hall of Famer Wes Unseld. pic.twitter.com/oATieR6RnU
— NBA Alumni (@NBAalumni) June 2, 2020

Rest in peace to Wes Unseld. A true Baltimore hero. His school was the first one I attended as a kid. First Black man I ever met that started his own school
— Aaron Maybin (@AaronMMaybin) June 2, 2020

RIP to a Kentucky legend, Wes Unseld…probably the greatest player this state ever produced https://t.co/NKFZg4PeMC
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) June 2, 2020

Wes Unseld was a great leader, a dedicated family man and a tremendous human being – My deepest sympathies & condolences to the Unseld family – Wes will always be remembered & greatly missed | @WashWizards | @MSE https://t.co/Y3oddvbb28
— Ted Leonsis (@TedLeonsis) June 2, 2020

i've always said you had to be there to appreciate unseld. because the way people who watched him in his day talk about him? whew.

and talk crazy about him in d.c. and you might get dropped. it's some dudes still ready to fight bernard king. https://t.co/8kzHGXHYk4
— bomani (@bomani_jones) June 2, 2020

Unseld was a player, coach and GM for Washington's franchise. He and his wife, Connie, were married for 50 years. Unseld was one of the absolute pillars of the NBA, an unbeatable blend of character, intelligence, professionalism and talent.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 2, 2020

RIP Wes Unseld

One of the most underrated players of all time.

• 5x All Star
• Rookie of the Year
• MVP (his rookie year)
• NBA Champion
• Finals MVP
• All NBA
• Rebounding Champ pic.twitter.com/UKHP8jBkni
— Game Examined (@GameExamined) June 2, 2020

Used to love watching Wes Unseld play. He was the best outlet passer in the history of basketball. And no one knew how to get better position under the goal than Wes Unseld. RIP, Wes. https://t.co/7rq1g0NweL
— John Clay (@johnclayiv) June 2, 2020

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: