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 every person he encountered.”
Walton often saved his best performances for the spotlight. He was NBA finals MVP during Portland’s title season and his most famous game for UCLA came when they won the national championship against Memphis in 1973. In that game, he shot 21 for 22 from the field.
“It’s very hard to put into words what he has meant to UCLA’s program, as well as his tremendous impact on college basketball,” UCLA coach Mick Cronin said Monday. “Beyond his remarkable accomplishments as a player, it’s his relentless energy, enthusiasm for the game and unwavering candor that have been the hallmarks of his larger than life personality.
“As a passionate UCLA alumnus and broadcaster, he loved being around our players, hearing their stories and sharing his wisdom and advice. For me as a coach, he was honest, kind and always had his heart in the right place. I will miss him very much.”
Walton also had a passion for music, particularly the Grateful Dead, whose lyrics he often quoted during broadcasts. He also claimed to have seen the band more than 800 times in concert.
His son Luke also had a successful basketball career, winning two NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers, in 2009 and 2010. He is survived by Luke and his three other sons, Adam, Nate and Chris as well as his wife, Lori.
