Bill Walton dies at 71: ‘Truly one of a kind’ Basketball Hall of Famer succumbs to cancer

NBA legend and Hall of Famer Bill Walton, who won the 1978 MVP Award and two championships with the Portland Trail Blazers and Boston Celtics, has died at 71, the league announced on Monday. Walton passed after a prolonged bout with cancer. 

“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind. As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the center position,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a press release. “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. Bill then translated his infections 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.”

Walton overcame injuries to become a high school star in California, which foreshadowed how his career would turn out. From there, he went to UCLA, where he became the best player in college basketball under coach John Wooden. Walton won the Naismith Award three times and led the Bruins to back-to-back national championships in 1972 and 1973. His 44 points in the national championship game in 1973 remain a record. 

“We are stunned and saddened about the news of Bill Walton’s passing,” Martin Jarmond, UCLA’s Director of Athletics said in a statement. “Bill represented so many of the ideals that our university holds dear and embodied multiple traits on Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success. He loved being back on campus at UCLA, calling games in Pauley Pavilion, and being around our teams. We offer our deepest sympathy to his family, and we take solace in knowing that Bill made each day his masterpiece.”

Following his collegiate career, he was selected No. 1 overall by the Trail Blazers in the…

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Author : Jack Maloney

Publish date : 2024-05-27 18:12:02

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