Bill Walton’s latest Instagram post has gone viral among fans following his death at the age of 71.
Walton, an NBA Hall of Fame center and legendary commentator, died Monday after a battle with cancer.
Following the basketball icon’s death over Memorial Day weekend, heartbroken fans filled the comments section of his final Instagram post to mourn the loss of the sport.
Walton had shared his final post on the social media platform 13 weeks before his death, seemingly expressing his excitement for one of the NBA’s biggest rising stars.
He had posted a photo of himself and Victor Wembanyama, last year’s No. 1 overall draft pick, and simply wrote the Frenchman’s name in the caption.
Fans shared tributes in the comments of Bill Walton’s final Instagram post after his death
The 20-year-old towered over Walton as he smiled at the 6-foot-2 former center, who stood with his back to the camera. NBA commissioner Adam Silver could also be seen deep in conversation in the background.
Fans flooded the comments with messages celebrating the NBA great. Some called him the “best all-around hoops commentator.”
Wembanyama, who was described as an “alien” by LeBron James, was the most nailed-on No. 1 pick since the Lakers legend himself 21 years ago.
Walton regularly shared photos of himself with NBA stars past and present, including Shaquille O’Neal, Damian Lillard and the late Bill Russell, to whom he paid tribute on what would have been his 90th birthday in February.
Walton, survived by his wife Lori and sons Adam, Nate, Luke and Chris, was a two-time NBA champion, winning one title with the Portland Trail Blazers and another with the Boston Celtics.
He is also one of the greatest college basketball players of all time, winning three consecutive National College Player of the Year awards and two NCAA titles with the UCLA Bruins between 1972 and 1974.
Walton, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993, was larger than life both on and off the field.
After retiring, Walton 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.
The NBA Hall of Fame center and commentator died at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer
Basketball fans flooded the comments section of his Instagram post to mourn the loss of the sport
His NBA career – marred by chronic foot injuries – lasted just 468 games with Portland, San Diego and eventually the Los Angeles Clippers and Boston. He averaged 13.3 points and 10.5 rebounds in those games.
“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind,” Commissioner Silver said.
“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 the broadcasts, providing insightful and colorful commentary that entertained generations of basketball fans.
‘But what I will remember most about him is his zest for life. He was a regular at competitive events – always cheerful, smiling from ear to ear and seeking his wisdom and warmth.
‘I cherished our close friendship, envied his boundless energy and admired the time he took for everyone he encountered.
Walton was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers and won his first NBA championship at Oregon
Walton (far right) with Celtics teammates Danny Ainge, Rick Carlisle and Larry Bird in 1986
Walton (left) overcame a stutter to thrive on the microphone and won a Sports Emmy in 1991
“Bill has been a beloved member of the NBA family for fifty years and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. My sincere condolences to Bill’s wife, Lori; his sons, Adam, Nate, Luke and Chris; and his many friends and colleagues.’
Walton was selected with the No. 1 pick in the 1974 NBA draft and won his first NBA championship three years later with the Trail Blazers.
After struggling with those foot problems, Walton’s career took off again when he signed with the Celtics for two seasons in 1985. Walton won his second NBA championship alongside Larry Bird in 1986.
He was the NBA’s MVP in the 1977–78 season and a member of both the NBA’s 50th anniversary and 75th anniversary teams.