NEW YORK – NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Orlando Magic co-founder Pat Williams:

“There is no Orlando Magic without Pat Williams.  He was held in such high regard in the basketball community and was a friend to me and so many generations of league executives.  Pat was never at a loss for a kind and supportive word and always brought great enthusiasm, energy and optimism to everything he did throughout his more than 50 years in the NBA.

“We express our heartfelt condolences to Pat’s wife, Ruth, their family and the entire Magic organization.”