"Just Utterly, Utterly Extraordinary"

Pollin (l) Remembered For Impact On His Players, DC Pro Sports

The legacy of the late Abe Pollin cannot be overlooked or dismissed. He is one of the last of a unique breed of old-school sports pioneers, and Pollin left an unmistakable mark on his colleagues and community. He brought pro basketball and hockey to the nation’s capital. He built two arenas on his own dime, unheard of in this day and age. He was “league-first” in his thinking. He was a leader in philanthropy and one of the most generous-minded owners in all of sports. His teams may not have always seen success, and he had his fair share of business detractors, but his life’s work stands out. Magic Johnson tells Michael Wilbon how he actively sought Pollin’s guidance: “Don't forget: Abe was 'The Guy' then like Jerry Jones in football now. What Red Auerbach was to basketball operations, Abe Pollin was to the business of basketball.” A WASHINGTON POST editorial pays perhaps the best tribute any team owner could receive, “He was part of this community through and through. He did well here, and he did a lot of good in return. ... He was a thoughtful and public-spirited man.”