Willis Reed Then and Now

Willis Reed Then

Willis Reed, born in Hico, Louisiana, in 1942, demonstrated early athletic promise that blossomed during his time at West Side High School in Lillie, Louisiana.

Despite the challenges of segregation in the South, Reed’s parents prioritized his education, which set the stage for his future success. 

He honed his basketball skills at Grambling State University, a historically black college, where he played for the Grambling State Tigers. 

Reed’s collegiate career was marked by remarkable achievements, including scoring a total of 2,280 points and averaging an impressive 26.6 points and 21.3 rebounds per game during his senior year. 

He not only led his team to significant victories in the NAIA and Southwestern Athletic Conference championships but also became a respected member of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, underscoring his contributions both on and off the court.

Willis Reed Career History

Willis Reed’s career with the New York Knicks began in 1964 when he joined the team as a second-round draft pick. 

His impact was immediate, averaging 19.5 points per game in his rookie season and earning the NBA Rookie of the Year award.

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Reed’s leadership and prowess on the court helped lead the Knicks to their first NBA championship in 1970. 

That season, he achieved a rare trifecta by winning the NBA MVP award for the regular season, the NBA Finals MVP, and the All-Star Game MVP—all in the same year, a feat unprecedented at the time in NBA history.

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His contributions were pivotal again in 1973 when the Knicks secured their second championship, with Reed once more being named the MVP of the NBA Finals.

Throughout his decade-long tenure with the Knicks, Reed’s influence extended beyond statistics. 

He was revered as the team’s inspirational leader, capable of rallying his teammates with his mere presence.

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One of the most iconic moments in NBA history occurred during the 1970 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. 

Despite a debilitating thigh injury that sidelined him for Game 6, Reed defiantly took the court for Game 7, igniting the Madison Square Garden crowd.

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His courageous act of scoring the game’s first basket lifted the spirits of both his team and the fans, propelling the Knicks to victory.

Despite battling knee injuries that gradually affected his playing ability, Reed retired in 1974 with impressive career statistics: 12,183 points and 8,414 rebounds.

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His impact on basketball extended beyond his playing days, as he returned to the Knicks as a coach from 1977 to 1979. 

Reed also ventured into collegiate coaching at Creighton University and St. John’s University and held various coaching and managerial roles in the NBA with teams like the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, and New Jersey Nets. 

In recognition of his exceptional career, Reed was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1981, solidifying his legacy as one of the game’s greats.

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Willis Reed Height

Willis Reed, standing at 2.08 meters (6 feet 10 inches), was renowned not only for his basketball skills but also for his commanding presence on the court, which made him a formidable force in the NBA during his career with the New York Knicks.

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Willis Reed Retirement

Willis Reed’s retirement from the NBA in 1974 marked the end of a storied career defined by resilience and leadership. 

Despite battling injuries that plagued his later years in the league, Reed had established himself as a dominant force on both ends of the court.

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Throughout his career, he averaged 18.7 points and 12.9 rebounds per game across 650 games, showcasing his versatility and impact. 

His leadership was instrumental in the New York Knicks’ two NBA championships, and his influence extended beyond statistics, embodying the spirit of determination that made him a beloved figure in basketball history.

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Willis Reed Wife

Willis Reed’s personal life included two marriages. His first marriage was to Geraldine Oliver while they were both students at Grambling State University. 

Together, they had two children, Karl Vance and Veronica Marie. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in divorce.

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Reed later married Gale Kennedy, who worked as a nurse, in 1983. Their wedding took place in Roslyn Heights, New York, marking a new chapter in his personal life after his successful basketball career.

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Willis Reed Now

Willis Reed, an icon of New York Knicks basketball, passed away from heart failure in Houston, Texas, on March 21, 2023, at the age of 80. 

Reed’s legacy in the NBA is indelible, defined by his leadership and pivotal role in the Knicks’ success during the 1960s and early 1970s.

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Throughout his career, Reed was renowned not only for his skills on the court but also for his inspirational presence that transcended statistics.

Having spent his entire ten-year playing career with the New York Knicks, Reed left an enduring impact on the franchise and its fans.

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His leadership was exemplified by his MVP performances in both the regular season and NBA Finals, particularly in the iconic Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, where he famously overcame injury to inspire his team to victory.

After retiring as a player in 1974, Reed continued his involvement in basketball as a coach and later as a general manager.

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His coaching career included stints at Creighton and St. John’s universities, and he also held coaching and managerial roles with several NBA teams, including the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, and New Jersey Nets. 

Reed’s contributions to the sport were recognized with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1981.

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Willis Reed’s passing marks the end of an era for basketball enthusiasts and admirers of his achievements both on and off the court. 

His legacy as a pioneer and leader in the NBA will continue to resonate within the basketball community, celebrating a remarkable career that spanned playing, coaching, and management roles.

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Willis Reed’s Net Worth

Willis Reed, an American former professional basketball player, coach, and general manager, had a net worth estimated at $5 million, reflecting his earnings and investments accumulated over his illustrious career in the NBA.

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