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Bill Walton passes away at the age of 71

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NBA Hall of Famer and two-time champion Bill Walton has passed away at the age of 71 following a prolonged battle with cancer, the NBA announced today.

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“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the center position. His unique all-around skills made him a dominant force at UCLA and led to an NBA regular-season and Finals MVP, two NBA championships and a spot on the NBA’s 50* and 75th Anniversary Teams. Bill then translated his infectious enthusiasm and love for the game to broadcasting, where he delivered insightful and colorful commentary which entertained generations of basketball fans. But what I will remember most about him was his zest for life. He was a regular presence at league events – always upbeat, smiling ear to ear and looking to share his wisdom and warmth. I treasured our close friendship, envied his boundless energy and admired the time he took with every person he encountered.

“As a cherished member of the NBA family for 50 years, Bill will be deeply missed by all those who came to know and love him. My heartfelt condolences to Bill’s wife, Lori; his sons, Adam, Nate, Luke and Chris; and his many friends and colleagues.”

Before the NBA, Walton won two national championships under John Wooden at UCLA and was the consensus national player of the year in three straight seasons.

Walton was drafted No. 1 overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1974. He went on to win an NBA championship and Finals MVP in his third year in the league and an MVP in his fourth year in the NBA. Walton’s playing career lasted until 1987, but he missed three of these years due to a foot injury, and spanned across three teams: the Blazers (1974-1979), San Diego/Los Angeles (1979-1985) Clippers and Boston Celtics (1985-1987).

Following his NBA career, Walton continued to grow his legacy in the world of broadcasting. He was involved in the broadcasts of college and NBA games for CBS, NBC and ABC/ESPN. In 2012, he then shifted to calling several Pac-12 basketball games for ESPN and the Pac-12 Network.

Walton gave us several memories with his exuberant and lively personality throughout his life.

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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau

 

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