NBA Legend Bill Walton Passes Away at 71 After Battle with Cancer

NBA Hall of Famer and two-time champion Bill Walton has passed away at the age of 71 following a prolonged fight against cancer, the league confirmed on Monday.

Walton rose to prominence during his college years at UCLA in the 1970s, leading the Bruins to consecutive undefeated seasons and securing two national titles. Standing at 6-foot-11, he was a pivotal figure in UCLA’s basketball program, earning recognition as the Final Four Most Outstanding Player twice and clinching three Naismith College Player of the Year awards.

Selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1974, Walton quickly proved himself as a formidable presence on the court. By his third NBA season, he emerged as a top performer, finishing as the runner-up in MVP voting while leading in rebounding and blocked shots during the 1976-77 season. He notably secured Finals MVP honors as he guided the Blazers to their inaugural championship victory.

Throughout his NBA tenure, injuries hampered Walton’s career trajectory, despite notable achievements such as earning MVP and All-NBA First Team distinctions. Following stints with the Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Boston Celtics, Walton concluded his playing career with a significant role on the Celtics’ 1986 championship-winning team, where he was named Sixth Man of the Year.

Transitioning to broadcasting after retiring from playing, Walton found success as a commentator across various networks. His contributions were recognized with an Emmy Award in 2001 for “Best Live Sports Television Broadcast.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged Walton’s impact, highlighting his transformative influence on the center position and his contributions to both the NBA and broadcasting. Walton’s legacy extends beyond his on-court achievements, leaving an indelible mark on basketball fans worldwide through his insightful and colorful commentary.