NBA Hall of Fame center and legendary commentator Bill Walton has died at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer.
Walton, who is survived by his wife Lori and sons Adam, Nate, Luke and Chris, died surrounded by his loved ones, his family said.
He was a two-time NBA champion, winning one title with the Portland Trail Blazers and another with the Boston Celtics.
Walton is also one of the greatest college basketball players of all time, winning three consecutive national college player of the year awards between 1972 and 1974 and two NCAA titles with the UCLA Bruins.
After retiring, Walton overcame a stutter to thrive on the microphone, winning a Sports Emmy in 1991 and being named one of the top 50 sports broadcasters of all-time in 2009.
NBA hall of fame center Bill Walton has died at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer
Walton is survived by his wife Lori (above) and his four sons Adam, Nate, Luke and Chris
‘Bill Walton was truly one of a kind,’ NBA Commissioner Adam 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 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.
‘As a cherished member of the NBA family for 50 years, Bill will be deeply missed by all those who came to know and love him. My heartfelt condolences to Bill’s wife, Lori; his sons, Adam, Nate, Luke and Chris; and his many friends and colleagues.’
Walton was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers and won his first NBA championship in 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, winning a Sports Emmy in 1991
His NBA career – disrupted by chronic foot injuries – lasted only 468 games with Portland, the San Diego and eventually Los Angeles Clippers and Boston. He averaged 13.3 points and 10.5 rebounds in those games.
His most famous game was the 1973 NCAA title game, UCLA against Memphis, in which he shot an incredible 21 for 22 from the field and led the Bruins to another national championship.
Walton was selected with the No. 1 pic in the 1974 NBA draft, and won his first NBA Championship with the Trail Blazers three years later. He was the NBA’s MVP in the 1977-78 season.
After struggling with those foot problems, Walton’s career took off again when he signed with the Celtics in 1985 for two seasons. Alongside Larry Bird, Walton collected his second NBA Championship in 1986.
When Walton turned to broadcasting, he wondered whether a career on TV would be possible for him, because he had a pronounced stutter at times in his life.
‘In life, being so self-conscious, red hair, big nose, freckles and goofy, nerdy-looking face and can’t talk at all. I was incredibly shy and never said a word,’ Walton told The Oregonian newspaper in 2017.
Walton’s NBA career lasted only 468 games because he struggled with chronic foot injuries
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Walton ‘was truly one of a kind’ in an emotional statement
‘Then, when I was 28 I learned how to speak. It’s become my greatest accomplishment of my life and everybody else’s biggest nightmare.’
He sometimes appeared on-air in Grateful Dead T-shirts; Walton was a huge fan of the band and referenced it often, even sometimes recording satellite radio specials celebrating what it meant to be a ‘Deadhead.’
‘It´s very hard to put into words what he has meant to UCLA´s program, as well as his tremendous impact on college basketball,’ UCLA coach Mick Cronin said Monday.
‘Beyond his remarkable accomplishments as a player, it´s his relentless energy, enthusiasm for the game and unwavering candor that have been the hallmarks of his larger than life personality.
‘As a passionate UCLA alumnus and broadcaster, he loved being around our players, hearing their stories and sharing his wisdom and advice.
‘For me as a coach, he was honest, kind and always had his heart in the right place. I will miss him very much. It´s hard to imagine a season in Pauley Pavilion without him.’
