Milwaukee Bucks and Houston Rockets’ former President Ray Patterson passes away: NBA Update
One of the NBA pioneers and the first president of Milwaukee Bucks Ray Patterson passed away on Wednesday evening at the age of 89. Patterson, who was battling heart and lung diseases for a long time, was residing in his home in
the Houston Suburbs of Sugar Land, at the time of his death.
Herb Kohl, who is the current owner and president of Milwaukee Bucks was saddened to hear the news of Ray’s death and gave a statement on behalf of the whole organization.
"The entire Milwaukee Bucks organization and Bucks fans throughout Wisconsin mourn the passing of Ray Patterson. Ray was a catalyst for the early growth and unprecedented success of the Milwaukee Bucks franchise as its first President.
He was a pro basketball advocate, knew Wisconsin and its people, and helped build the foundation for Bucks NBA basketball. Our condolences go to his wife, Ruth, and the entire Patterson family."
The Bucks came into NBA in the 1968-1969 season, when Patterson was given the responsibility for the expansion of the franchise. Ray assembled the team magnificently early on and guided Milwaukee towards their first and only NBA
title just after two seasons. In that season, Milwaukee Bucks steamrolled throughout the play-offs to land the Championship Trophy with a commanding 12-2 record and swept the Baltimore Bullets in the NBA Finals.
Later at the start of the 1972-1973 season, Patterson joined Houston Rockets as the president and general manager and served the franchise for nearly two decades. In a glittering administrative career, Patterson was named as the
Executive of the Year in 1977. Even though, the Houston Rockets failed to clinch an NBA title under the leadership of Ray however, the franchise appeared in the NBA Finals twice.
On the quest of becoming the co-owner of the National Hockey League (NHL), Ray Patterson parted ways with the Rockets in 1990. Rays’ dream to lead an NHL team was never materialized but the dynamic NBA executive did have an opportunity
to help an International Hockey League team Houston Aeros in 1994.
Although Patterson was primarily known for his splendid tenure at the executive positions, however he had an impressive career as a basketball player as well. Being the member of the University of Wisconsin’s basketball team from
1942-1945, Roy was not only the captain and the leading scorer; but was also honoured with the Most Valuable player (MVP) award on two occasions.
As a part of the National Basketball League, Patterson professionally played for the teams in Sheboygan and Oshkosh in Wisconsin and Midland in Michigan.
His death is certainly a big loss to the league, but he left a legacy, from which much can be learnt.
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