Wilkens exits the Raptors

Jet, May 5, 2003

WILKENS EXITS THE RAPTORS: The NBA's winningest coach Lenny Wilkens attends a news conference in Toronto where he and the troubled Raptors announced a parting of company, ending the worst season of Wilkens' 30-year NBA career, posting a 24-58 record. The Hall of Fame coach, who owns the league career coaching records for most victories, 1,292, and most losses, 1,114, says he can still build a winning team.

"I feel like I've got a lot of coaching left in me. I'm going to look at some options," said the 65-year-old who is listed among the NBA's 10 greatest coaches. "I still have a love of the game. I'll be involved one way or another." Wilkens, who will be paid for the remaining season left on his contract, is one of only two people to enter the Hall of Fame as a player and coach (along with John Wooden). A nine-time All-Star, Wilkens was honored in 1996 as one of the NBA's 50 greatest players.