‘One of a kind’ NBA champion and broadcaster Bill Walton dies at 71

Bill Walton jokes with fellow NBA MVP Nikola Jokić at the 2022 NBA All-Star Game. Photograph: Charles Krupa/AP

Hall of fame basketball star and two-time NBA champion Bill Walton has died of cancer at the age of 71, the NBA announced on Monday.

“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “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.”

Walton had an impressive college career with UCLA, where he won two national titles, before he was selected No 1 overall by Portland in the 1974 NBA draft. He went on to win a championship with the Trail Blazers in 1977 and was the league MVP in 1978. But his career was hampered by foot injuries and, although he won another title with the Boston Celtics in 1986, he often struggled to stay fully fit. Despite those setbacks, he is considered one of the greatest centers in NBA history.

After his retirement from playing, he built a reputation as an astute and charismatic Emmy-winning broadcaster. The 6ft 11in Walton said he had not always been outgoing.

“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,” Walton told the Oregonian in 2017. “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 said he counted Walton as a close friend.

“Bill translated his infectious enthusiasm and love for the game to broadcasting, where he delivered insightful and colorful commentary which entertained generations of basketball fans,” Silver said on Monday. “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…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/one-kind-nba-champion-broadcaster-175647605.html

Author : The Guardian

Publish date : 2024-05-27 18:26:19

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