Bill Walton dies at 71: Stephen A Smith, Julius Erving and more stars pay tribute to NBA hall of famer after battle with cancer
Tributes are pouring in for NBA Hall of Famer and legendary commentator Bill Walton after he died at the age of 71 following a battle with cancer.
SportsCenter’s Stephen A Smith wrote an emotional tribute to the late athlete after news of his death was revealed on Monday.
“Incredibly sad to hear that my friend, Bill Walton, has passed away. His game was ahead of his time, truly one of the greatest big men to ever play,” the TV personality wrote on X.
‘Nothing compared to his passion and love for life itself. I can hear him now begging me to “smile… cherish every day… we are all the happiest people on earth.” RIP my husband. Already missing you.’
Fellow NBA legend Julius Erving also shared a photo of himself with Walton.
NBA Hall of Famer and legendary commentator Bill Walton sadly lost his battle with cancer
‘RIP my husband. I miss you already,” Stephen A Smith wrote in a post on X Monday
“I am saddened today to hear that my comrade and one of the world’s most beloved champions and characters has passed away,” he wrote on X.
‘Bill Walton enjoyed life in every way. Competing against him and working with him was a blessing in my life. My condolences for your loss, Walton family. We will miss him too. Dock.’
Walton was a two-time NBA champion, winning one title with the Portland Trail Blazers and another with the Boston Celtics.
He also had strong ties to the Southern California region, having won three consecutive national college player of the year awards and two NCAA titles with the UCLA Bruins between 1972 and 1974.
“To compete against him and work with him was a blessing in my life,” wrote Julius Erving
Walton was a college basketball star and won two NCAA titles with the UCLA Bruins
After his playing career, he moved to the commentary box and won a Sports Emmy in 1991
He later played for the Los Angeles Clippers, who shared a tribute to the star center.
“We have lost one of the greatest players and personalities this franchise, this sport and this region has ever known,” the statement began.
“Bill Walton is synonymous with Southern California basketball: a San Diego native, a UCLA phenom, a Clipper icon. He defined the game as a player, a broadcaster and an ambassador, spreading joy for generations. Wherever he went, whatever he did, Big Red stood above the crowd. The Clippers organization extends our deepest condolences to the Walton family, as well as our deepest gratitude. Bill was a special force, and we were privileged to know him.”
Walton, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993, was larger than life both on and off the field.
After retiring, he overcame a stutter to thrive on the microphone, winning a Sports Emmy in 1991 and being named one of the 50 Greatest Sports Broadcasters of All Time in 2009.
He is survived by his wife Lori and sons Adam, Nate, Luke and Chris.