Bill Walton, a former NBA MVP and Hall of Famer who later became a renowned broadcaster, passed away from cancer on Monday. The 71-year-old was surrounded by family, the NBA wrote in a statement.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver paid tribute to Walton.
“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind,” 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.
“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.”
Walton Thrived Under Prolific UCLA Coach John Wooden
According to CNN, Walton’s basketball journey commenced at UCLA. There, the 6-foot-11, red-haired center thrived under the tutelage of legendary coach John Wooden. He led the Bruins to national championships in 1972 and 1973, achieving flawless 30-0 seasons.
Remarkably, the team secured 88 consecutive victories, a men’s record that remains unbroken. During his tenure at UCLA, Walton was also a three-time national college player of the year and a three-time All-American.
Walton, the top pick in the 1974 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, led the team to its first and only NBA championship in 1977. He also earned the title of NBA Finals Most Valuable Player that season. He became the NBA’s regular season MVP the following year.
Bill Walton’s NBA Career was Plagued with Injuries
His career was derailed by injuries, leading him to leave Portland and play for the San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers from 1979 to 1985, where he struggled. He joined the Boston Celtics, rejuvenated his career, and won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 1986. That year, the Celtics won the NBA title, marking the second championship of his career.
After retiring, Walton embarked on a successful broadcasting career, serving as a commentator for both NBA and NCAA basketball games. Of course, he most recently worked for ESPN.
He joined ESPN in 2002 after a 12-year tenure at NBC, taking on the role of lead NBA analyst. In 2012, he returned to calling games, this time as a college basketball analyst for Pac-12 broadcasts.
Walton, celebrated for winning an NBA title with Portland and another with Boston, became renowned for his distinctive broadcasting style. His commentary, often filled with bizarre and hilarious moments, frequently diverged from the action on the court, adding a unique flavor to the games.
The Basketball Hall of Fame unducted Walton in 1993.