Williams, who passed away in July at the age of 84 due to complications from viral pneumonia, played two seasons of minor league baseball in the Philadelphia Phillies’ organization before joining their front office in 1964. He was named the Minor League Executive of the Year in 1967.

Williams then spent more than four decades in the NBA, serving as the general manager of the Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers before teaming up with local businessman Jimmy Hewitt to bring an expansion franchise to Orlando in 1986.

The Magic made their debut in 1989, with Williams serving as their general manager until 1996, when he was promoted to senior vice president, a post he held until retirement in 2019. It was at that time he kickstarted efforts to bring a Major League Baseball franchise to Orlando. 

“Pat Williams simply brought magic to Orlando,” chairman Dan DeVos and CEO Alex Martins said in a statement following his death. “His accomplishments will always be remembered. Armed with this 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. He shined a light on what those who called Orlando home already knew – that Central Florida was a fabulous place to live, work and play. We all owe him a debt of gratitude and he will certainly be missed, but never forgotten.”

Under Williams’ guidance, his teams made 23 combined playoff appearances and five NBA Finals apperarances, including the 76ers’ sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers in 1983. He also has an extensive coaching tree, which includes Billy Cunningham, Chuck Daly and Matt Guokas.

Williams was honored by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 with the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award and was inducted into the Magic’s Hall of Fame in 2014.