Bill Walton, an NBA Hall of Famer and renowned broadcaster, has passed away at the age of 71 after a prolonged battle with cancer, the league announced on Monday.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver honored Walton, calling him “truly one of a kind.” Bill Walton was celebrated not only for his exceptional college basketball career in California but also for overcoming a stutter to become a successful broadcaster.
Standing at 6-foot-11, Walton played center for UCLA’s basketball team from 1971 to 1974, leading the Bruins to two championship victories and an impressive 88-game winning streak.
No, Bill. Thank you for your life. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3LCRvs4XlJ
— Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) May 27, 2024
His professional NBA journey began when he was selected as the No. 1 overall draft pick in 1974 by the Portland Trail Blazers. Bill Walton guided the Blazers to their first and only championship in 1977, earning the Most Valuable Player award that season.
In 1986, Bill Walton secured his second NBA championship with the Boston Celtics. Commissioner Silver noted that Walton was renowned in the league for his “unique all-around skills” and praised him for redefining the center position.
Despite his career being limited to 468 games due to chronic foot injuries, Walton’s influence on the sport extended well beyond his playing days.
Bill Walton’s illustrious career
Bill Walton, known for his illustrious career both on and off the basketball court, has passed away at 71 after a long battle with cancer, the NBA announced on Monday.
Bill Walton’s journey was remarkable not only for his achievements in basketball but also for overcoming a pronounced stutter to become an Emmy Award-winning commentator known for his infectious enthusiasm and love for the game.
Standing at 6-foot-11, Walton made a significant impact at UCLA, where he led the Bruins to two championship victories and an 88-game winning streak between 1971 and 1974. Drafted first overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1974, Walton led the team to their only championship in 1977, earning the MVP award that season.
He later won another championship with the Boston Celtics in 1986. Despite his career being cut short by chronic foot injuries, Bill Walton’s influence on basketball was profound.
We have lost one of the greatest players and personalities that this franchise, this sport and this region have ever known. Bill Walton is synonymous with Southern California basketball: a San Diego native, a UCLA phenom, a Clipper icon.
He defined the game as a player, a… pic.twitter.com/KAXvnG8Mkk
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) May 27, 2024
In his post-playing career, Bill Walton became a beloved and colorful commentator, often recognised for his bright tie-dyed T-shirts and lively commentary. Reflecting on his early struggles with a stutter, Bill Walton once shared, “In life, being so self-conscious, red hair, big nose, freckles and goofy, nerdy-looking face and can’t talk at all. I was incredibly shy and never said a word. Then, when I was 28, I learned how to speak. It’s become my greatest accomplishment of my life and everybody else’s biggest nightmare.”
Silver fondly remembered Bill Walton’s zest for life, noting, “He was a regular presence at league events – always upbeat, smiling ear to ear and looking to share his wisdom and warmth.” UCLA’s basketball coach Mick Cronin also highlighted Walton’s tremendous impact on both UCLA’s program and college basketball.
Inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993, Walton leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond the court. He is survived by his wife and four sons, including Luke Walton, a former NBA player and now an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
