TORONTO — Lenny Wilkens has won more games than any coach in NBA history, and the Toronto Raptors are giving him the chance to add to that total.
And like the wise old veteran he is, the 62-year-old Wilkens took the first step in that direction by calling free-agent-to-be Tracy McGrady.
Finally introduced as the head coach of the Raptors on Wednesday, the Hall of Famer admitted he was intrigued by the chance to coach a team on the rise.
"If you look around at the teams that were available, the potential here is greater than anywhere," Wilkens said after the paperwork was completed on a four-year contract that will pay him about $18 million.
The first player Wilkens talked to Wednesday was the 21-year-old McGrady, who has also had visits from a couple of veteran teammates this week.
"We had a brief conversation and I think it was positive," Wilkens said. "A talent like his would be greatly used in our system."
The kind of talent represented by Vince Carter, possibly McGrady, Antonio Davis, Charles Oakley and Kevin Willis simply wouldn't allow Wilkens to rebuff general manager Glen Grunwald's pitch.
"I like the competition of the games, I like the last two minutes of the game when the score's tied or you're up one or you're down one," Wilkens said. "I'm a competitor; I like to compete."
Wilkens also quickly put to rest any concerns fans might have had about his ambition after a storied 27-year coaching career. He called last year's 28-54 season in Atlanta an "aberration."
"It's over, it's behind me and it's time to move on," he said. "I'm a guy who wakes up and says, 'Good morning, God,' not 'Good God, it's morning.' "
Veteran players reacted with glee to news that the calm, well-respected Wilkens was being hired, and the team's biggest star also offered his stamp of approval.
"Obviously, we're very supportive of the decision of management, very pleased," said Merle Scott, an agent for Carter. "Glen and management were very sure about who they wanted and they went out and secured him. Now it's on to the next task, which is to re-sign Tracy and other free agents."
The Raptors, who fired Butch Carter a week ago, wasted no time in pursuing Wilkens. Grunwald said he first called Wilkens about an hour after dismissing Carter.