Pat Williams Dies at 84; Orlando Magic Co-Founder Won NBA Title as 76ers GM in 1983

Orlando Magic co-founder and sports legend Pat Williams died Wednesday night at the age of 84, the NBA announced.

The cause of Williams' death was complications from viral pneumonia.

"Pat Williams simply brought magic to Orlando," said Orlando Magic chairman Dan DeVos and CEO Alex Martins in a joint statement. "His accomplishments will always be remembered. Armed with his ever-present optimism and unparalleled energy, he was an incredible visionary who helped transform the world of sports in multiple ways. From bringing the Magic to Orlando, to transforming sports marketing and promotions, he was always ahead of the curve. Pat forever changed the sports landscape in Orlando."

In 1986, Williams and local businessman Jimmy Hewitt began the process of bringing an NBA team to Orlando, and the league's board of governors awarded the city an expansion spot the following year. The Magic made their debut during the 1989-90 season.

Prior to helping establish the Orlando franchise, Williams began his career in the NBA as a business manager for the Philadelphia 76ers in 1968. He then served as general manager of the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks before returning to the Sixers in 1974 and helping to lead the franchise to an NBA championship in 1983.

In 2012, Williams was honored with the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Magic's Hall of Fame as part of the inaugural class in 2014.

Before beginning his basketball career, Williams played baseball at Wake Forest and received an induction into the university's Sports Hall of Fame. He played two years in the minor leagues before transitioning to an executive role.

Williams is survived by his wife Ruth and their 19 children, 14 of whom were adopted from foreign countries.