Willis, a former NBA coach and general manager, passed away on March 21, 2023, at 80. He played for the New York Knicks throughout his career, winning two NBA Championships and earning the NBA Finals MVP for both victories.
Additionally, he was named the NBA’s overall MVP in 1970 and was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 1982.
After retiring as a player, Reed coached several teams and became the manager and VP of basketball operations for the New Jersey Nets. His net worth was estimated at $5 million at the time of his death, as per celebritynetworth.
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Quick Stats
| Name | Willis Reed Jr. |
| Age | 80 |
| Birthdate | June 25, 1942 |
| Birthplace | Lincoln Parish, Louisiana, United States |
| Occupation | Coach And Basketball Player |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Grambling State University |
| Spouse | Gale Kennedy m. 1983 |
| Parents | Willis Sr. and Inell Reed |
| Death Date | March 21, 2023 |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Height | 2.08 m |
| Weight | 107 kg |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | $5 million |
Willis Reed’s Playing Career
The New York Knicks chose Willis Reed with the eighth overall pick in the second round of the 1964 NBA Draft.
He was titled to the NBA All-Rookie First group as a rookie and won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. Reed played for the Knicks for a decade, forming a formidable defensive duo with Walt Frazier.
He won the NBA MVP award in 1970 and was the Finals MVP in both of the Knicks’ championship victories in 1970 and 1973.
Throughout his career, Reed was selected to the All-Star team seven times and tallied 12,183 points, 8,414 rebounds, and 1,186 assists.
He was included in both the NBA 50th Anniversary Team and the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. Reed was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1970 and the Memorial Basketball Hall in 1982. The New York Knicks retired his No. 19 jersey.
Willis Reed Coaching Career
Willis Reed briefly coached the New York Knicks in 1977-1978 before moving to college basketball as the coach at Creighton University from 1981 to 1985.
He later worked as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks and Sacramento Kings and became the coach of the New Jersey Nets in 1988, finishing with a 33-77 record.
Following his coaching tenure, Willis Reed was appointed the general and VP of basketball operations for the New Jersey Nets.
Under his leadership, the team emerged as a playoff contender during the early 1990s, and in 1996, he was promoted to senior vice president of basketball operations.
The Nets went on to reach the NBA Finals in both 2002 and 2003. In 2004, Reed assumed the position of VP of operations with the New Orleans Hornets, where he remained until his retirement in 2007.
Willis Reed Pop Culture References
Willis Reed’s reputation for playing through injuries has made his name synonymous with toughness and endurance on the basketball court.
Additionally, his name has been referenced in various rap songs, such as Kurtis Blow’s 1984 hit “Basketball” and the Beastie Boys’ “Long Burn The Fire” in 2011.
Willis Reed Car Collection And Houses
With a successful career spanning over a decade, Reed accumulated significant wealth, enabling him to lead a lavish lifestyle.
He had a sizable collection of luxury cars, including a Rolls-Royce and a Bentley, estimated to be worth several hundred thousand dollars.
In addition to his car collection, Reed also owned a luxurious Louisiana home valued at over $2 million.
The house sits on a sprawling estate with over 20 acres of land, a private lake, and a golf course.
Willis Reed, NBA HOFer, Former Nets coach, And GM, Dies At 80
Former New York Knicks legend, Willis Reed, passed away at the age of 80. Reed played all 10 seasons of his NBA career for the Knicks and led the team to their only two championships in 1970 and 1973.
He was a renowned player, winning numerous awards, including the MVP award for the 1969-1970 season, and earning a place on the All-NBA team five times.
Furthermore, he was named Rookie of the Year for the 1964-1965 season and was selected to the 50th and 75th NBA anniversary teams.
Reed’s most notable moment was during Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, where he played through a torn muscle in his thigh, despite missing Game 6.
Following his playing career, he transitioned to coaching for various teams and eventually became the head coach of the New Jersey Nets in the 1988-1989 season before also serving as the team’s general manager.
Reed’s impressive career was recognized by the Knicks, who retired his jersey number 19, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players ever.
