CNN —Orlando Magic co-founder Pat Williams has died at the age of 84, the NBA team announced in a news release on Wednesday. He helped the city of Orlando land an NBA team which became official in 1987 and the team began their inaugural season two years later. He served as the general manager of the Magic until 1996 when he was promoted to team senior vice president. Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE/Getty Images“Pat Williams simply brought magic to Orlando,” team chairman Dan DeVos and CEO Alex Martins said in a joint statement. Armed with his ever-present optimism and unparalleled energy, he was an incredible visionary who helped transform the world of sports in multiple ways.”General Manager Pat Williams of the Orlando Magic smiles after receiving the No.

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Persons: Pat Williams, Williams, “, ” Williams, Jennifer Pottheiser, Dan DeVos, Alex Martins, DeVos, Martins, Orlando Magic, Shaquille O'Neal, Bruce Bennett, Ruth Organizations: CNN, Orlando Magic, NBA, Philadelphia 76ers, Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks, 76ers, ”, Wake Forest University, Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame, Demon Deacons baseball, Philadelphia Phillies, Miami Marlins, Florida State League, Miami, Spartanburg, Phillies, Minor League Executive, The Sporting Locations: Orlando, Secaucus , New Jersey, S.C