Basketball Hall of Fame Bill Walton The NBA announced in a news release on Monday (May 27) that he died at the age of 71 “after a long battle with cancer.”
A three-time national champion and College National Player of the Year at UCLA, Walton was the first overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers and led the team to its first-ever NBA title in 1977 and won the NBA MVP award in 1978 after his first five seasons in the league. The California native went on to play for the San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers from 1979-1985 and the Boston Celtics from 1985-1988, winning his second NBA championship in 1986.
Walton retired in 1988 with 6,215 points, 4,923 rebounds and 1,590 assists. The former NBA star was known for his bold, free-spirited personality off the court, which was reflected in his unique style of broadcasting NBA and college basketball games in the years following his retirement.
“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a league news release. “As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the center position. His unique all-around skills made him a dominant force at UCLA, leading to NBA regular season and Finals MVP awards, two NBA championships and a spot on the NBA's 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams.”
“Bill later brought his enthusiasm and love of the game to his broadcasts, entertaining generations of basketball fans with his insightful and colorful commentary. But what I remember most about him is his passion for life. He was a regular presence at league events, always cheerful, with a big smile and eager to share his wisdom and warmth. I cherished our close friendship, envied his boundless energy and admired the time he spent with everyone he met.”
