What happened to Pat Williams? Orlando Magic co-founder's cause of death explored

Orlando Magic co-founder and former general manager Pat Williams died at the age of 84 on Tuesday. Williams was not just instrumental in bringing basketball to Orlando but also served as an executive for other NBA franchises like the Philadelphia 76ers.

According to a statement from the Magic, Williams died surrounded by his family. The cause of his death was complications from viral pneumonia. Magic Chairman Dan DeVos and Magic CEO Alex Martins released the following statement following the sports legend's death:

"Pat Williams simply brought magic to Orlando. His accomplishments will always be remembered. Armed with his 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," the statement read.

They added:

"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."

Pat Williams was the one who convinced then-NBA Commissioner David Stern to award an expansion team to Orlando and promised success for the league. Williams was part of the ownership group along with Jim Hewitt, who was awarded the franchise in 1987.

The Magic became an NBA team in 1989 with Williams serving as general manager. He immediately built a contender after drafting Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway in 1992 and 1993, respectively. Orlando made their first NBA Finals appearance in 1995, losing to the Houston Rockets in four games.

Williams was promoted as the Magic's senior vice-president, a position he held until his retirement in April 2019. Orlando went back to the NBA Finals in 2009 but lost to the LA Lakers in five games.

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Pat Williams' NBA career as an executive before Orlando

Before becoming involved in basketball, Pat Williams was a minor league baseball player. His executive career started in baseball and eventually transitioned into basketball in 1968 with the Philadelphia 76ers. He spent just one season in Philly before moving to the Chicago Bulls.

After four years in Chicago, Williams was hired by the Atlanta Hawks before returning to the Sixers in 1974. He helped build the team by acquiring Julius Erving, who led the franchise to NBA Finals appearances in 1977, 1980, 1982 and 1983, winning the championship in 1983.

Williams tried to rebuild the Sixers in the mid-1980s around Charles Barkley but became frustrated and left in 1986. He then focused on bringing an NBA team to Orlando, succeeding less than a year before it became official in 1989.