Is Willis Reed Living or Dead?

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Is American basketball player (1942–2023) Willis Reed dead? Or ... still alive?

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By Charles Bottage

Updated 13 April 2023

Image info

Artist	New York Knicks
Credit	eBay item photo back photo front
License	pd
Desc	1972 publicity photo of basketball player Willis Reed issued to the media by the New York Knicks
Usage	Public domain

Image info/credit

American basketball player (1942–2023)

Willis Reed is ...

Dead

Born	25 June 1942 in Dubach
Died	21 March 2023
Age	80 years, 9 months

Sex or gender	male
Country of citizenship	United States of America
Occupation	basketball player and basketball coach
Height	2.06m (6'9")
Weight	107kg (235.9lbs)
Country for sport	United States of America
Awards	NBA All-Rookie Team, NBA Rookie of the Year Award, NBA All-Defensive Team, NBA Most Valuable Player Award, NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player Award, All-NBA Team, Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award and Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award
Sport	basketball
Participant in	1963 Pan American Games and 1963 FIBA World Championship
Member of sports team	New York Knicks
Educated at	Grambling State University

About Willis Reed

Willis Reed: The Heart and Soul of the Knicks

Willis Reed was born on June 25, 1942, in Hico, Louisiana. He grew up in a family of 11 children and learned to play basketball on a dirt court behind his house. Despite his humble beginnings, Reed went on to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

Reed played college basketball at Grambling State University, where he was a two-time All-American. In 1964, he was drafted by the New York Knicks, and he quickly became the heart and soul of the team. Reed was a fierce competitor who played with a level of intensity that inspired his teammates and intimidated his opponents.

In 1970, Reed led the Knicks to their first NBA championship. In Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, Reed famously limped onto the court with a torn thigh muscle. Despite the injury, Reed scored the first two baskets of the game and inspired his team to victory. It was a moment that cemented Reed's legacy as one of the greatest clutch performers in NBA history.

Reed played for the Knicks for 10 seasons, earning seven All-Star selections and two NBA championships. He was known for his tenacious defense, his ability to score from anywhere on the court, and his leadership on and off the court.

After retiring as a player, Reed went on to become a successful coach. He coached the Knicks for four seasons and led them to the playoffs three times. He also coached the New Jersey Nets and the Atlanta Hawks.

Reed's impact on the game of basketball cannot be overstated. He was a trailblazer who paved the way for future generations of African American players and coaches. He was a fierce competitor who inspired his teammates and intimidated his opponents. And he was a true champion who always rose to the occasion when it mattered most.

References:

- "Willis Reed." Basketball-Reference.com. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/reedwi01.html

- "Willis Reed." NBA.com. https://www.nba.com/history/legends/profiles/willis-reed