TWO-TIME Bill Walton, a National Basketball Association (NBA) champion and member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, died on Monday, May 27 at the age of 71, according to the league.
Before joining the NBA, Walton thrived at John Wooden’s University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and led the team to two NCAA titles. He is proving to everyone that he was born a legend.
However, the 6’11” big man saw many ups and downs throughout his career. He had brittle bones in his foot, which forced him to miss three of the next four seasons after winning his first chip and Most Valuable Player award in 1977-78.
The sort of cancer he had was not stated, but ESPN reported that the Hall of Famer had a “prolonged battle” with the disease. Meanwhile, his family was able to surround him just before his death, according to the league.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated in a statement that Bill Walton “was truly one of a kind,” encompassing all aspects of the sport, as well as becoming one of the biggest personalities in basketball broadcasting.
Photo Courtesy: @JuliusErving | X
“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 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams,” said Silver.
“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,” the NBA commissioner went on to say.
NBA legends pay tribute to Walton
The NBA family, legends, current players, and other members of the basketball community took to social media to honor Walton’s career and numerous off-court efforts. For some, it was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, an NBA Hall of Famer.
“My very close friend, fellow bruin, and NBA rival Bill Walton died today,” said the Laker legend on X [former Twitter]. “And the world feels so much heavier now.”
“On the court, Bill was a fierce player, but off the court he wasn’t happy unless he did everything he could to make everyone around him happy. He was the best of us,” he went on to share.
Others were Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. and even former US President Barack Obama memorialized the passing of another NBA great in Walton.
“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,” said Erving.
“They talk about Jokic being the most skilled center but Bill Walton was first! From shooting jump shots to making incredible passes, he was one of the smartest basketball players to ever live. Bill was a great ambassador for college basketball and the NBA, and he will be sorely missed,” said Magic Johnson.
The NBA community continues to pray for the Walton family, as they grieve the loss of the late NBA great Bill Walton.
