One of the greatest architects within the NBA is no more. Orlando Magic announced the passing of its co-founder, Pat Williams, on Wednesday, July 17. He was 84. According to the team’s statement, Williams passed away in a hospital in Orlando, Florida, the city he made known for its NBA team. The cause of death was reported to be complications from contracting viral pneumonia, as reported by the team.

The city of Orlando and Magic itself owes a debt of gratitude to this legend. Dan Devos, the Chairman of Magic and son of the late Richard Devos, summarized what Pat Williams meant to the team and the Devos family in a moving statement. “His accomplishments will always be remembered,” he said through an official statement.

He proceeded to say, “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.”

As Adam Silver also said, there wouldn’t have been Orlando Magic without Pat Williams. Without Magic, the likes of Shaquille O’Neal, Penny Hardaway, Dwight Howard, and more would’ve been on different paths. There was no telling if any team but the ’95 squad could have beat Michael Jordan in the playoffs and headed to the finals. All the credit goes to Williams and his brilliant mind.

In 2011, he revealed he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable condition. A year later, the Naismith Memorial Basketball of Fame awarded him the John W Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award for what he created.

Unlike Jerry West, Williams didn’t learn the ropes within the NBA. In fact, he started his athletic career as a minor-league baseball player. From the diamond, he went to the front office and transitioned to basketball operations. It started with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1968 and led to history from there.

Pat Williams’ legacy unparalleled

All the adrenaline-pumping halftime shows we love, Pat Williams’ started that. Chicago Bulls’ unforgettable mascot, Benny the Bull? Wiliams’ idea. Atlanta Hawks’ unwavering fan culture? Thank Wiliams!

Between this, the 76ers had suffered a sharp decline, prompting Williams’ return as general manager. In that 12-year stint, his biggest accomplishment was building the 1982-83 championship team of Julius Erving and Moses Malone. In a genius move, he acquired Dr J’s rights from the New York Nets and built a team around him by drafting Maurice Cheeks and Andrew Toney.

Under him, the team went 65-17 and swept the Lakers in the finals. He’d make big moves like picking Charles Barkley but his dream to manifest a Sizer dynasty never occurred.

So in 1986, he joined Jimmy Hewitt’s investment group to bring a new NBA team to Orlando. He was the guy who convinced the board of governors to give Orlando a team. As GM, he handpicked Shaq and orchestrated the trade that got Hardaway. He would officially work until 1996 but continued to oversee the team. In his final years, he’d be spotted at Magic home games while working on bringing an MLB team to Orlando too.

Williams is survived by his wife, Ruth, and their 19 children, of which 14 were adopted. His large family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and know that Pat Williams will remain unforgettable.