‘One of a kind’ NBA champion and broadcaster Bill Walton dies at 71
Hall of fame basketball star and two-time NBA champion Bill Walton has died of cancer at the age of 71, the NBA announced 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 a distinguished college career at UCLA, where he won two national titles, before being 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’s 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 these setbacks, he is considered one of the greatest centers in NBA history.
After retiring from acting, he built a reputation as an astute and charismatic Emmy-winning broadcaster. The 6-foot-4 Walton said he hadn’t always been outgoing.
‘Being so self-conscious in life, red hair, big nose, freckles and a goofy, nerdy looking face and not being able to talk at all. I was incredibly shy and never said a word,” Walton told the Oregonian in 2017. “When I was 28, I learned to speak. It has become my greatest achievement of my life and everyone’s worst nightmare.”
Silver said he considered Walton a good friend.
“Bill translated his infectious enthusiasm and love for the game to the broadcasts, providing insightful and colorful commentary that entertained generations of basketball fans,” Silver said Monday. “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, was jealous of his boundless energy and admired the time he took for everyone he encountered.”
Walton often saved his best performances for the spotlight. He was an 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 difficult to put into words what he has meant to the UCLA program, as well as his tremendous impact on college basketball,” UCLA coach Mick Cronin said Monday. “In addition to his remarkable achievements as a player, it is his relentless energy, enthusiasm for the game and unwavering candor that are the hallmarks of his larger-than-life personality.
“As a passionate UCLA alumnus and broadcaster, he loved being with our players, hearing their stories and sharing his wisdom and advice. For me as a coach, he was honest, friendly and always had his heart in the right place. I will miss him very much.”
Walton also had a passion for music, especially the Grateful Dead, whose lyrics he often quoted during broadcasts. He also claimed to have seen the band in concert more than 800 times.
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, and his wife Lori.