Hall of Fame center Bill Walton, a two-time national champion at UCLA and two-time NBA champion, has died at age 71 after a long battle with cancer.
Ms Walton, who overcame a stammer to become a beloved broadcaster, died on Monday (Tuesday AEST) surrounded by her family.
“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 earned him NBA regular season and Finals MVPs, two NBA championships and spots on the NBA's 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. Bill then brought his infectious enthusiasm and love of the game to his broadcasts, providing insightful and versatile commentary.
“But what I remember most about him was 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.”
“Our deepest condolences go to Bill's wife Lori and his sons Adam, Nate, Luke and Chris.”
Walton was the first overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers and led the team to its only NBA championship in 1976-77. He was named league MVP in 1977-78 and Sixth Man of the Year in 1985-86, before winning his second championship as a member of the Boston Celtics in 1985-86.
Walton was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993 and the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
A two-time All-Star and 1977 NBA Finals MVP, he averaged 13.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.2 blocks in 468 games during an injury-plagued 10-year career with the Blazers (1974-78), San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers (1979-80, 1982-85) and Celtics (1985-87).
“Bill Walton was a true legend – an exceptional player, a talented announcer and a valuable member of the Blazers organization,” the Trail Blazers said in a statement.
“His mastery of the game not only established him as one of the greatest centers of all time, but also led the Blazers to a championship in 1977.”
The 6-foot-11 Walton missed multiple seasons with foot and back injuries that required multiple surgeries.
Born Nov. 5, 1952 in La Mesa, California, Walton led Herricks High School to 49 consecutive wins and two state titles before attending UCLA.
There, he was named National Collegiate Player of the Year three times and helped the Bruins win a record 88 straight games, including NCAA Tournament championships in 1972 and 1973. In the 1973 final against Memphis State, he scored 44 points on 21-of-22 shooting.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who preceded Walton at UCLA and played in the NBA at the same time, posted a farewell message on social media.
“My good friend, fellow Bruin and NBA rival Bill Walton passed away today. The world feels heavier right now,” Abdul-Jabbar wrote.
“On the court, Bill was an intense guy, but off the court he was only happy if he did everything he could to make everyone around him happy. He was the best of us.”
Off the court, Walton was known for his political activism and his passion for the Grateful Dead.
Walton overcame a speech impediment in his 20s and became a news announcer for CBS and NBC in 1990, then moved to broadcast for the Los Angeles Clippers before moving to ABC/ESPN in 2002.
