NBA Icon Bill Walton Passes Away At 71, Leaves Legacy Beyond Basketball
Basketball legend Bill Walton passed away on Monday at the age of 71. The NBA announced that he died following a prolonged battle with cancer. Walton's illustrious career spanned a decade, during which he won two NBA titles and was named the 1977-78 league MVP.
Walton was included on both the NBA's 50th and 75th anniversary teams. He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1974-75 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers after a stellar collegiate career at UCLA, where he won two national titles and earned three national player of the year awards.
"Bill Walton was truly one of a kind," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. "He helped redefine the centre position, but his career was cut short by foot injuries." Walton averaged 17.1 points and 13.5 rebounds in his first four seasons with the Trail Blazers.
In his final six seasons with the Clippers and Celtics, he averaged 10.2 points and 8.1 rebounds. Walton led Portland to the 1976-77 NBA title, earning Finals MVP honours, and later won a championship with Boston in the 1985-86 season.
Walton retired after playing just 10 games in the 1986-87 season and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993. Following his playing career, Walton became a prominent broadcaster, known for his colourful style and enthusiastic commentary.
"What I will remember most about him was his zest for life," Silver added. "He was a regular presence at league events—always upbeat, smiling ear to ear, and looking to share his wisdom and warmth."
The following has been released by the NBA.
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 27, 2024
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