Gus Williams, two-time NBA All-Star, who led the Seattle SuperSonics to the franchise’s only NBA championship, has died. He was 71 years old.
Williams’ death comes nearly five years after he suffered a debilitating stroke. According to The Seattle Times, his cause of death was not immediately known, but he was living in a nursing facility in Baltimore at the time of his death.
Gus Williams of the Seattle Sonics moves the ball down the court against the Celtics in 1978 at Boston Garden. (Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images)
Peter Vecsey, long-time sports writer reported Thursday that Williams’ brother said the former basketball player’s body “just fell apart” over the past few days. He also confirmed that the funeral would take place in Mount Vernon, New York – Williams’ hometown.
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Williams was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in the second round of the 1975 NBA draft. He went on to earn NBA All-Rookie Team honors that year and finished second in rookie voting of the year that season.
He played two seasons with the Warriors before signing in 1977 with the Sonics, where he quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic guards of his era.
The former USC star led the Sonics to their only championship in 1979, averaging 26.7 points during the playoffs.
Gus Williams of the Seattle Supersonics dribbles the ball against the Washington Bullets circa 1981 at the Capital Center in Landover, Maryland. Williams played for the Supersonics from 1977 to 1984. (Focus on sport/Getty Images)
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A two-time NBA All-Star, Williams missed the 1980 season due to a contract dispute, but returned the following season to finish fifth in MVP voting and win NBA Comeback Player of the Year.
SuperSonics point guard Gus Williams during Game 3 of the 1979 NBA Finals, played at the Kingdome in Seattle, Washington, on May 27, 1979. The Sonics won the game 95-105, and ultimately the series 4-1. (Jay Lurie/FPG/File Photos/Getty Images)
The NBA community mourned the loss of Williams on social media following the news of his death.
Williams retired from basketball in 1987 after one season with the team. Atlanta Falcons. His jersey was retired by the Sonics in 2004.
