Tributes pour in for Walton, a two-time NBA champion and basketball Corridor of Famer remembered as ‘truly one of a kind’.
Invoice Walton, a two-time Nationwide Basketball Affiliation (NBA) champion, Corridor of Fame participant and beloved broadcaster, has died on the age of 71, the league says.
The NBA stated Walton handed away on Monday after a protracted battle with most cancers.
“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated in an announcement.
Walton, a 6-foot-11 (211cm) centre who moved gracefully regardless of his peak, rose to stardom in school the place he was a part of the College of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), dynasty below coach John Picket.
He received Nationwide Collegiate Athletics Affiliation (NCAA) championships in 1972 and 1973 earlier than establishing himself as a power early in his skilled profession.
Walton led the Portland Path Blazers to the championship in 1977, and he was named the NBA’s Most Useful Participant the next yr.
His most well-known efficiency was the 1973 NCAA title sport – UCLA towards Memphis – through which he shot an unbelievable 21-for-22 from the sphere and led the Bruins to a different nationwide championship.
However Walton’s NBA profession – disrupted by continual foot accidents – lasted solely 468 video games with Portland, then San Diego and finally the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Boston Celtics.
He averaged 13.3 factors and 10.5 rebounds in these video games, neither of these numbers precisely record-setting. Nonetheless, his impression on the sport was huge.
“As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the centre 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,” Silver stated on Monday.
When Walton retired from the NBA, he turned to broadcasting, one thing he by no means thought he could possibly be good at or can be doable for him as a result of he had a pronounced stutter at occasions in his life.
However he excelled, successful an Emmy award and finally being named one of many high 50 sports activities broadcasters of all time by the American Sportscasters Affiliation.
Relaxation in peace to a pal, 2X NBA Champion, Corridor of Famer, and probably the most expert facilities we’ve ever seen Invoice Walton! His NCAA Championship efficiency as a UCLA Bruin towards Memphis is by far essentially the most dominate NCAA Championship efficiency ever – he shot 21 for 22 and had…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) Could 27, 2024
And Walton, who was enshrined within the Corridor of Fame in 1993, was bigger than life, each on and off the courtroom.
He “delivered insightful and colourful commentary which entertained generations of basketball fans”, Silver stated on Monday. “However what I’ll keep in mind most about him was his zest for all times.
“He was a regular presence at league events – always upbeat, smiling ear to ear and looking to share his wisdom and warmth.”
Tributes additionally rolled in for Walton from among the greatest names in basketball, together with Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who described Walton as “one of the most skilled centers we’ve ever seen”.
“They talk about [Denver Nuggets star Nikola] Jokic being the most skilled center but Bill Walton was first! From shooting jump shots to making incredible passes, he was one of the smartest basketball players to ever live,” Johnson wrote on X.
“Bill was a great ambassador for college basketball and the NBA, and he will be sorely missed.”
Julius “Dr J” Erving additionally paid tribute to Walton and provided condolences to his household.
“Bill Walton enjoyed life in every way. To compete against him & to work with him was a blessing in my life,” Erving stated in a social media publish.
I’m unhappy at the moment listening to that my comrade & one of many sports activities worlds most beloved champions & characters has handed. Invoice Walton loved life in each means. To compete towards him & to work with him was a blessing in my life. Sorry to your loss Walton household. We’ll miss him too. Doc pic.twitter.com/GAEt1DRH8N
— Julius Dr J Erving (@JuliusErving) Could 27, 2024
