Chet Walker, Hall of Famer and 7-time All-Star who helped the 76ers win 1967 NBA title, has died

Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony

Chet Walker, a seven-time All-Star forward who helped Wilt Chamberlain and the Philadelphia 76ers win the 1967 NBA title and later starred for the Chicago Bulls, has died. He was 84.

The National Basketball Players Association confirmed Walker’s death, according to NBA.com. The 76ers, Bulls and National Basketball Retired Players Association also extended their condolences on social media on Saturday.

Walker was part of Chicago’s inaugural class for its Ring of Honor in January.

“His skill, dedication and contributions to the game made a lasting impact on the sport of basketball and the city of Chicago,” the Bulls said in their statement.

“Chet Walker will forever be remembered as a true Chicago Bulls icon.”

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Chet Walker, a legendary figure in our team’s history.

An inductee of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Chet left an indelible mark on the court and in the hearts of fans. During his six seasons with the Bulls from 1969 to 1975, the… pic.twitter.com/NKK2x7N6cu

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) June 9, 2024

Nicknamed “The Jet,” Walker had career averages of 18.2 points and 7.1 rebounds over his 13 seasons in the NBA. His teams made the playoffs every year he was in the league.

He was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.

Walker, a Mississippi native, went to high school in Benton Harbor, Michigan, before playing college ball at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. He was a two-time All-American with the Braves, helping the team win the 1960 NIT championship. His No. 31 jersey was retired by the school in 1976.

The 6-foot-7 Walker was selected by Syracuse in the second round of the 1962 NBA draft. He averaged 12.3 points in his first season before the Nationals moved to Philadelphia and were renamed the 76ers.

Chet Walker spent the first 7 seasons of his Hall of Fame career with our franchise & delivered a championship in ‘67. Affectionately nicknamed “The Jet,” Walker made a profound impact in our city & within our League.

Our condolences go out to the Walker family & their friends….

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/chet-walker-hall-famer-7-135043055.html

Author : NBC Sports

Publish date : 2024-06-09 13:50:43

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