Wes Unseld, NBA Rookie of Year and MVP in 1969, dies at 74

Wes Unseld, workmanlike Hall of Fame center who led Washington to its only NBA championship and was chosen one of 50 greatest players in league history, died Tuesday after a series of health issues, most recently pneumonia. He was 74. Unseld's family anunced his death via a statement released by Washington Wizards, franchise he played for throughout his entire 13-season career. A five-time All-Star and, along with Wilt Chamberlain, one of only two players to win NBA Rookie of Year and MVP hors in same season, Unseld instantly me team n kwn as Baltimore Bullets into a winning franchise after it selected him . 2 overall in 1968 draft.

Wes Unseld dies at 74

A dece later, he was MVP of NBA Finals as Washington Bullets beat Seattle SuperSonics in a seven-game series best kwn for coach Dick Motta's proclamation: opera ain't over until fat ly sings."  Listed at 6-foot-7 and 245 pounds, Unseld overcame taller players and b knees with a strong work ethic and lots of grunt work in paint. He was a tenacious rebounder and strong passer. Unseld was inducted into Hall of Fame in 1988, his first year of eligibility.

I never played pretty, Unseld said on day he was elected.  I wasn't flashy. My contributions were in things most people don't tice. y weren't in high scoring or dunking or behind--back passes.  Wesley Sissel Unseld was born March 14, 1946, in Louisville, Kentucky, where he won two state championship at Seneca High School and n stayed home for college, attending University of Louisville.

He averd 20.6 points and 18.9 rebounds over his four years with Cardinals, earning him prime draft spot right behind . 1 selection  and future Bullets teammate  Elvin Hayes. In NBA, Unseld averd 10.8 points and 14 rebounds for his career. His aching knees finally forced Unseld to stop playing in 1981, but he remained with franchise that would eventually retire his . 41 jersey.

Unseld initially worked in Washington's front office, n was he coach for nearly seven seasons from 1987-94, compiling a 202-345 record with one playoff appearance. He also h a seven-year stint as general manr from 1996-03, when team me one or trip to playoffs. Funeral arrangements were pending. He was rock of our family  an extremely devoted patriarch who reveled in being with his wife, children, friends and teammates, family's statement Tuesday said.  He was our hero and loved playing and working around game of basketball for cities of Baltimore and Washington D.C., cities he proudly wore on his chest for so many years.

Im credits: AP