One of the all time greatest basketball player has passed away.

[imanamerican63]

Willis Reed passed away at the age of 80. I remember watching him play when I was growing up. He played for only the New York Knicks his whole career. I loved watching him control the boards and man, he could rebound. He was a gracious man too, but on the court, he dominated. Rest In Peace Mr. Reed.

[Ohio Joe]

1. RIP

[blueknight73]

2. Great player

I remember when he could barely walk and still hobbled out on the court to play. A true warrior.

[Botany]

3. Those Knicks teams he was on were very good.

Reed, Clyde the Glide, Earl Monroe, Dave DeBussher, Bill Bradley, Phil Jackson, Cazzie Russel, and coached by
Red Holtzman

[Prof. Toru Tanaka]

10. Growing up, I was a Baltimore/Wash. Bullets fan

I know how good those Knick teams were as they won 5 of the 6 playoff series with the Bullets from 1969 to 1974. And while Bill Russell vs. Wilt Chamberlain is the greatest center rivalry ever, Willis Reed battling with Wes Unseld was a fine matchup, also. In 1970, Reed was the regular season MVP, All-Star game MVP and NBA Finals MVP as the Knicks beat the Lakers in seven games for the title. This was also when Reed famously answered the call and played game seven with a painful thigh injury which gave his teammates a mental boost that carried them to the title. He was also the 1973 Finals MVP when the Knicks won another NBA championship.
All those Knick players were outstanding and five of them (including Reed) are in the Hall of Fame. And Earl Monroe has the distinction of having his jersey number retired by both the Knicks and Bullets (now the Wizards). And Red Holtzman is a HOF coach who was all about sharing the ball on offense and playing tough team defense.

RIP to Captain and HOF center Willis Reed.

[lonely bird]

19. He was famous for starting the seventh game in the 1970 championship

He couldn’t really play but just his presence was a boost for his teammates.

Regarding his battling with Unseld, I remember reading a description of Unseld saying he set picks that left his opponents wondering what continent they were on.

[NCDEM4EVR]

4. Question

Where did you see this reported, I have checked most major outlets and see no mention of this at all?

[ProfessorGAC]

5. Here You Go

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/willis-reed-new-york-knicks-legend-and-two-time-nba-champion-dies-at-80/

[NCDEM4EVR]

7. Just found that...thanks

[Stinky The Clown]

6. Here. Also, Wikipedia has it already.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2023/03/21/willis-reed-who-led-knicks-two-nba-titles-dies-80/

[Tom Kitten]

8. Sad news

I remember meeting him in an airport bookstore around midnight and giving him some daffodils when I was in high school.
RIP Willis

[gademocrat7]

9. RIP

Willis Reed was an amazing man.

[patphil]

11. Those were some great Knicks teams when he played.

Willis Reed, Dave DeBusschere, Phil Jackson, Bill Bradley, Walt Fraser, Earl Monroe...I loved watching them play.
Reed was quite the physical presence on the court.

[WheelWalker]

12. Willis Reed was a force.

[Mr. Ected]

13. He coached the Creighton Bluejays in the 80's

He was a true legend in basketball. RIP, sir.

[imanamerican63]

14. I had forgotten about that.

And I am from Omaha.

[Mr. Ected]

16. At the time he recruited a top prospect to play for us

Benoit Benjamin. Drafted #3 in the NBA draft.

It was rumored that Willis was dating his mother but I don't know if it was true.

[imanamerican63]

21. I remember him. It was when Creighton started to some recognition as team.

[Kingofalldems]

15. Reed, DeBuscherre (sp), Barnett, Bradley, Frazier.

[Evolve Dammit]

17. My Favorite team of all-time, and Willis Reed limping onto the court in LA was inspiring.

I will never forget that team, or that man. Cazzie Russell, Clyde Frazer, Dollar Bill Bradley, Jerry Lucas, Dave DeBussher, Earl the Pearl, and I apologize for those I missed. RIP my warrior and leader.

[OAITW r.2.0]

18. He anchored some great Knicks teams.

As a Celtics fan, I really liked watching Knicks play the Celtics....Walt Frazier, Earl Monroe, Dave DeBusschere, Bill Bradly and Willis Reed always made the games interesting and competitive.

[H2O Man]

20. Recommended.

I loved watching Reed play.