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NBA News: Gary Payton II, Paul George updates, Willis Reed passes away

By Ian Levy

Dec 30, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Gary Payton II poses with his championship ring before the start of the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Gary Payton II poses with his championship ring before the start of the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb. 1970; New York, NY, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Knicks center Willis Reed (19) in action at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 1970; New York, NY, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Knicks center Willis Reed (19) in action at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports /

NBA news: Knicks legend Willis Reed passes away

On Tuesday, the Knicks announced that legendary center Willis Reed had passed away at the age of 80.

Reed played his entire 10-year career with the Knicks, helping lead the team to titles in 1970 and 1973. He 18.7 points and 12.9 rebounds over the course of his career, made seven All-Star games, won the MVP in 1970, and a member of both the Naismith Basketball Hall-of-Fame and the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.

Reed is probably best remembered for his surprising return for Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. He had missed Game 6 with a thigh injury and wasn’t expected to play in Game 7, before surprising the crowd as he ran out of the tunnel to a legendary call from Marv Albert. His return helped inspire his team to victory and grow his legend as one of the greatest leaders in NBA history.

In a 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 standards 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.”"

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