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Portland Trail Blazer Bill Walton
Bill Walton — one of the greatest college players ever who went on to lead Portland to its one and only NBA title and eventually became a legendary broadcaster with NBC — has died at the age of 71 after a prolonged battle with cancer, the NBA has announced.
“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement announcing Waltons passing. “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. 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…
“My heartfelt condolences to Bill’s wife, Lori; his sons, Adam, Nate, Luke and Chris; and his many friends and colleagues.”
Walton will be missed by everyone who knew him because of how he embraced life. He was one of those people who, even if you were more acquaintances than friends, treated you like you were his best friend in the world when you talked to him. He was as genuine and warm as anyone you will ever meet.
Walton was born November 5, 1952, and grew up in La Mesa, just outside San Diego, California. He went to Helix High School, where two of the trends of his basketball career started: His Helix teams won 44 straight games and consecutive CIF titles — he averaged 25 rebounds a game and shot 78% his senior year — but he also missed time with a fractured ankle, then had knee surgery.
Walton went on to UCLA where he became one of the greats ever to play the college game — a legend on the court who embraced the counter-culture revolution of…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-mvp-ucla-legend-hall-181600093.html
Author : NBC Sports
Publish date : 2024-05-27 18:16:00
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