HITC takes a look at Willis Reed’s net worth in 2023 after the news of the former NBA star and Knicks player passing away at the age of 80.
The NBA community is mourning the loss of the Knicks Hall of Famer, legendary basketball player and coach.
The National Basketball Retired Players Association announced Reed’s passing on Tuesday (March 22), after confirming the sad news with his family.
We learn more about the former player’s career, achievements and net worth.
Willis Reed’s net worth in 2023
Celebrity Net Worth notes Reed had a $5 million net worth after spending eight years and his entire basketball career playing for the New York Knicks.
He is dubbed as one of the 50 greatest NBA players in history after leading the Knicks to a victory during the championships in 1970 and 1973.
He signed a contract with the Knicks for $68,000 in 1970, while a year later he earned nearly $102,000 in 1971. His earnings doubled and he earned a whopping $252,000 in 1972.
In comparison, the average annual NBA salary is just over $1 million in 2023.
His coaching career
After retirement, Reed spent long years in coaching and general management. He served as a coach for the Knicks from 1977 to 1978.
Between 1981 and 1985, he was a head coach at Creighton University, as well as a volunteer assistant coach at St. John’s University for some time.
Reed served as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks and Sacramento Kings before he was selected as head coach of the New Jersey Nets.
Outside of his coaching stint, he was a general manager and vice president of basketball operations at the Nets.
Tribute paid to Reed
The Knicks shared a poignant tribute in honor of Reed and said in a statement: “The Knicks organization is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Captain, Willis Reed.
“As we mourn, we will always strive to uphold the standard he left behind – the unmatched leadership, sacrifice and work ethic that personified him as a champion among champions.
“His is a legacy that will live forever. We ask everyone to please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
A cause of death hasn’t been confirmed to the media at this time but Reed reportedly suffered from declining health in recent months.
He missed Knicks’ 50th anniversary in honor of the team’s 1973 championship win back in February.
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