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The NBA jersey advent calendar: 25 days of hoops history for the holidays

By Aaron Hertzog

Saint Mary'a Basilica and a traditional Christmas Market at the Main Square in Krakow, Poland, on November 25, 2017. (Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Saint Mary'a Basilica and a traditional Christmas Market at the Main Square in Krakow, Poland, on November 25, 2017. (Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE – 1970: Lenny Wilkens of the Seattle SuperSonics poses for a portrait circa 1970 in Seattle, Washington. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1970 NBAE (Photo by NBA Photos/NBAE via Getty Images)
SEATTLE – 1970: Lenny Wilkens of the Seattle SuperSonics poses for a portrait circa 1970 in Seattle, Washington. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1970 NBAE (Photo by NBA Photos/NBAE via Getty Images) /

19. Lenny Wilkens — Seattle SuperSonics

There must be something about a jersey number in the late teens that turns NBA players into great head coaches. Or, maybe it’s simply just a coincidence that two of the greatest to ever coach find themselves back-to-back on this calendar.

As a player, Wilkens was a nine-time All-Star who at the height of his skills averaged 22.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game for the 1968-69 season as a member of the Sonics.

As a head coach, Wilkens still holds the record for games coached (2,487) and is second all-time in wins next to Don Nelson. When he retired from coaching in 2005 he sat at the top of the wins column.

He was chosen as an assistant coach for the 1992 Dream Team and the head coach for the 1996 Men’s Olympic team (unfortunately saddled with the “Dream Team 2” nickname to which no group could ever possibly live up.)

Wilkens was named one of the Top 10 Coaches in NBA History (along with previous pick Phil Jackson) as part of the “NBA at 50” celebration during the 1996-97 season. He has been inducted into the Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach.

The Seattle look is a winner as well, with its green and gold color scheme fitting in perfectly with the Pacific Northwest city the team called home. The script “Sonics” font is underlined by a swooping tale from the “S” while the number resides underneath, aligned at the very end of the team nickname.

Maybe one day the SuperSonics will return to the city of Seattle and if we’re lucky their look will live up to the style of their past teams.

Honorable Mention: Willis Reed (New York Knicks), Bob Cousy (Cincinnati Royals), Bob Boozer (Chicago Bulls)

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