Reed is a Hall of Famer and was the 10th overall pick during the 1964 NBA Draft.
He is perhaps most famous for having overcome a leg injury in order to help the Knicks win their 1969-1970 title.
Throughout his career, he has won two NBA Championships and was the NBA Finals MVP in 1970 and 1973. He was also the 1970 NBA MVP and was named an NBA All-Star 7 times.
He also scored a total of 12,183 points in a career that spanned from 1964 to 1974. After laying, he became a coach, most notably for the Knicks and the New Jersey Nets.
In 1963, he also helped the American team win gold at the Pan American Games in Sao Paulo.
In their statement, the Knicks said:
“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.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also said:
“Willis Reed was the ultimate team player and consummate leader. My earliest and fondest memories of NBA basketball are of watching Willis, who embodied the winning spirit that defined the New York Knicks championship teams in the early 1970s.”
“He played the game with remarkable passion and determination, and his inspiring comeback in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals remains one of the most iconic moments in all of the sports. As a league MVP, two-time NBA Finals MVP, and member of the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams, Willis was a decorated player who took great pride in his consistency.”
“Following his playing career, Willis mentored the next generation as a coach, team executive, and proud HBCU alumnus. We send our deepest condolences to Willis’ wife, Gale, his family, and his many friends and fans.”
Tributes have flown in since his death, including a tweet from NBA Alumni.