National Basketball Association

Quotes on the passing of Wizards owner Abe Pollin

Published Nov. 25, 2009 2:35 a.m. ET

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"The NBA family has lost its most revered member, whose stewardship of the Wizards franchise, together with his wife Irene, has been a study in unparalleled dedication to the city of Washington. During his illness he fought with a determination and valor that will remain an inspiration to all." - NBA commissioner David Stern.

"What made him happy was being around his players. He loved being around his players, coming down to practice, maybe taking a foul shot every once in a while when he's able to. He loved it when Antawn (Jamison) would go up to him and call him 'Big Time.' 'Tawn would call him 'Big Time' and he would get a big smile on his face." - Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld.

"He was the catalyst in building a fabulous downtown arena that revitalized the surrounding area. Anyone walking down 7th Street, seeing the throngs of excited fans, the host of popular restaurants, hotels and nightspots, can attest to the lasting legacy of Mr. Pollin's deep commitment to D.C." - Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis, who stands to take over ownership of the Wizards.

"He would want us to celebrate his life and not mourn his death. That's just the individual he was. But when you're here going through it, it's not that easy." - Wizards coach Flip Saunders.

"He loved Washington, when some of us at the time really didn't care a lot about it." - Wizards Hall of Fame center Wes Unseld.

"I used to let him win and I'm not going to change that story now. He was the boss, so it's called corporate advancement," - Unseld, remembering on his 3-point shooting contests with Pollin.

"He hired me to come back to coach a team that I'm a big fan of, my hometown team. It was a 10-minute interview and I shook his hand. He said, 'You know I don't live by contracts, I go by handshakes.' And I walked out and said, 'Gee, did I take a job, or what happened there?' - Former Wizards coach Eddie Jordan.

"Abe Pollin was a giant in the sports world, but he also was a civic leader and a generous philanthropist whose visionary Verizon Center helped revitalize the east side of Washington, D.C.'s downtown. Abe was a gentleman who believed in sportsmanship and in honor on and off the court. He was a true friend who never hesitated to give advice and counsel." - U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md.

"The Pollins can take a large part of the credit for the bright lights, crowds and remarkable revitalization of downtown Washington." - D.C. Council Chairman Vincent Gray.