NBA hall of fame player and iconic broadcaster Bill Walton has died at the age of 71 after a years-long battle with cancer, the league announced Monday.
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/fdlty5X3F5May 27, 2024
The La Mesa, California, native, a Naismith Award recipient, won two NCAA men’s basketball championships under coaching legend John Wooden in the early 1970s and was the core of a UCLA team that won an astounding 88 consecutive games.
As a versatile, athletic big man with impeccable court vision and IQ, the redheaded seven-footer took his talents to Portland and the NBA, leading the Trail Blazers to their first and only NBA championship in 1977.
The self-professed hippie battled devastating foot injuries that sidelined him for years, but made it all the way back to become a pivotal part of the Larry Bird-led 1980s Boston Celtics dynasty, helping the ’86 Celtics to a dominating NBA finals victory.
But it was in the broadcast booth where the notoriously kind, outwardly generous, perpetually quirky Walton carved out yet another enduring legacy, providing insightful color for both college and NBA games throughout the last three decades.
“What I will remember most about him was his zest for life,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in his statement. “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.”
Today I had to say goodbye to a great friend that I will always miss….@UCLAAthletics @UCLAMBB @NBA pic.twitter.com/JIA3sORJgYMay 27, 2024
RIP Legend pic.twitter.com/et5kBun3AZMay 27, 2024
I am sad today hearing that my comrade & one of the sports worlds most beloved champions & characters has passed. Bill Walton enjoyed life in every way. To compete against him & to work with him was a blessing in my life. Sorry for your loss Walton family. We’ll miss him too. Doc pic.twitter.com/GAEt1DRH8NMay 27, 2024
Shocked to hear that my friend Bill Walton has died of cancer. This is the last I saw him. Of course at a Dead & Company show. A sweet giant of a man with a sweet and giant spirit. My heart goes to his family and all who had the privilege of knowing Bill. pic.twitter.com/G05ZOFTecHMay 27, 2024
Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of my buddy, Bill Walton. His game was ahead of its time, truly one of the greatest big men who ever played. Yet, nothing compared to his passion and love of life, itself. I can hear him now imploring me to “smile……cherish… pic.twitter.com/IBI7Enjr5KMay 27, 2024
Heartbroken. Bill Walton was 1 of 1. What a life. Rest easy, Big Red Head… pic.twitter.com/eRZmIGn3MSMay 27, 2024
