Wilkens resigns as Sonics vice chairman

It’s the latest in a wave of changes for the team. A day earlier the Sonics named P.J. Carlesimo head coach, and last month the team named Sam Presti general manager.

"After much contemplation, I have decided to resign from my position as vice chairman of the Seattle SuperSonics," Wilkens said in a statement. "My passion for this city and this franchise has never wavered, but I feel that my position within the organization did not develop the way that I thought it would. I am extremely competitive, I’m driven to win and I have a deep passion for the game. I wish the Sonics well in the future."

Wilkens, who first came to Seattle in 1968 as a player and then led the franchise to its only championship in 1979 as a coach, is the all-time winningest coach in league history with a career record of 1,315-1,133 with Seattle, Portland, Cleveland, Atlanta, Toronto and New York.

"Lenny Wilkens has been a valued advisor to me since we first purchased the Sonics and Storm almost a year ago," team chairman Clay Bennett said. "His insight into basketball and the Sonics legacy in Seattle helped us greatly as we retooled our basketball operation. He has been an important resource and connection to the community as we continue in our efforts to secure the future of the Sonics in Seattle. I thank Lenny for his service and wish him the very best."

Seattle finished 31-51 last season, losing its last five games while posting the second worst record in the Western Conference. This was Seattle’s worst mark for a full season since an identical 31-51 mark in 1985-86.

The team then made moves on draft day last week, selecting Kevin Durant with the No. 2 overall pick and trading veteran guard Ray Allen to Boston in a deal that landed the Sonics forward Jeff Green in the draft.