Orlando Magic Tribute to Late Co-Founder Pat Williams with Special Jersey Band
The Orlando Magic recently revealed plans to pay tribute to their late co-founder, Pat Williams, throughout the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season. The team will honor Williams by donning a special commemorative band featuring his initials on the left shoulder of their jerseys, starting with the season opener against the Miami Heat on October 23.
Williams, who passed away in July at the age of 84 due to complications from viral pneumonia, had a rich history in sports. Before his tenure with the NBA, he spent time playing minor league baseball with the Philadelphia Phillies and later transitioned to the front office, where he earned recognition as the Minor League Executive of the Year in 1967.
His NBA career spanned over four decades, during which he held various executive roles with teams like the Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks, and Philadelphia 76ers. In 1986, Williams partnered with local businessman Jimmy Hewitt to bring an expansion franchise to Orlando, leading to the birth of the Magic in 1989. Williams served as the team’s general manager until 1996 when he was promoted to senior vice president, a position he held until his retirement in 2019.
Describing Williams as someone who brought “magic” to Orlando, Magic chairman Dan DeVos and CEO Alex Martins highlighted his visionary contributions to the sports world. They praised his optimism, energy, and transformative impact on sports marketing and promotions. Williams’ efforts not only brought the Magic to Orlando but also showcased Central Florida as a vibrant place for residents and visitors alike.
Under Williams’ leadership, the teams he was involved with made a total of 23 playoff appearances and reached the NBA Finals five times, including the Philadelphia 76ers’ championship victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in 1983. Additionally, Williams mentored several notable coaches, such as Billy Cunningham, Chuck Daly, and Matt Guokas.
In recognition of his significant contributions, Williams received the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 and was inducted into the Magic’s Hall of Fame in 2014. His legacy continues to resonate within the NBA community, with many expressing gratitude for his lasting impact on the sport and the city of Orlando.