Beloved basketball legend Bill Walton has died of cancer. He was 71.
The NBA announced the Hall of Famer’s passing on Monday. The player and then longtime broadcaster faced a “prolonged battle with cancer,” the NBA said.
“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.”
Walton had a dominant college career at UCLA, and he was a force in the pros — winning the NBA’s MVP award in the 1977-78 season. He was a two-time NBA champion, including with the Boston Celtics in 1986.
“Bill Walton was one of the most consequential players of his era,” the Celtics posted. “A Hall of Famer, Most Valuable Player, and two-time NBA Champion, Walton could do it all, possessing great timing, complete vision of the floor, excellent fundamentals, and was of one of the greatest passing big men in league history.
“He derived great joy from basketball and music, and deeply cherished his moments with teammates and friends,” the team added.
Walton has 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,” Silver said.
“But what I will remember most about him was his zest for life,” the commissioner added. “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.”
Walton was a big “Deadhead,” and as a broadcaster he would be seen wearing Grateful Dead shirts on-air.
He’s also remembered for his love of the Pac-12 Conference.
Walton died while surrounded by his family. He leaves behind his wife Lori and his sons Adam, Nate, Chris and Luke.
“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,” Silver said.
GREAT SHOW: Former teammates Kevin McHale, Bill Walton and Danny Ainge take part in last night’s ceremony honoring the Celtics’ 1986, 1976 and 1966 championship teams.
BOSTON, MA - June 10: NBC sports Mike Gorman chats with ex Celtic Bill Walton (L) as the Celtics take on the Warriors in game 4 of the NBA Championships at the Boston Garden on June 10, 2022 in , BOSTON, MA. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)
BIG KIDS: Kevin McHale, left, and Bill Walton practice during the 1985-86 Celtics’ championship season.
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 13: Members of the Boston Celtics 1986 championship team Kevin McHale, Bill Walton and Danny Ainge are honored at halftime of the game between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat at TD Garden on April 13, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
Former Celtics M.L. Carr and Bill Walton chat at the ’Teaming Up For Kids’ event last night.
BIG CHEER: Bill Walton cheers during the Celtics’ big second-half comeback last night.
BANNER EVENING: Celtics greats, from left, Charlie Scott, Bill Walton, Danny Ainge and Jo Jo White share laughs during a celebration of the team's championships at the Liberty Hotel Tuesday, April 12, 2016. Staff photo by Christopher Evans
BIG COMPLIMENT: Bill Walton enjoyed his brief stays with the Celtics, both on the court and behind the microphone.
Boston Celtics -- 1986 NBA World Champions-- Bill Walton powers Ralph Sampson and Jim Petersonfor two. Herald photo by Bill POlo.
BILL WALTON 1/3/1972
Bill Walton Basketball Action04/29/1987
Bill Walton, a two-time NBA champion, won the title with the Celtics in 1986. (File photo)
Bill WaltonBasketball Heads & Singles
One Happy man- Bill Walton lets it all hang out in teh closing seconds of game 6 (herald photo by Rick Sennott)
(I'm back I'm Back) C's Bill Walton raises his arms while sitting on the bench as if to say that it feels good to be back in uniform.03/11/1987
Kevin McHale raises his hands in triumph as Bill Walton and Jerry Sichting flash smiles (Herald photo by Bill Belknap)
Bill Walton Raises a clenched fist to celebrate a Celtics' hoop (Herald photo bu Ren Norton)
Bill WaltonBasketball Action
Center Bill Walton of UCLA reaches wide to snatch a rebound off the board high over Indiana University's center Steve Downing (32-foreground) during semi-final game of NCAA championship Saturday at St. Louis.03/24/1973
Bill Walton puts up a shot against Kareem Abdul-Jabbar during the 1985-6 season. HERALD FILE PHOTO
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Tributes were pouring in for the basketball legend on Monday, including from Dr. J.
“I am sad today hearing that my comrade & one of the sports worlds most beloved champions & characters has passed,” Julius Erving posted.
“Bill Walton enjoyed life in every way,” Erving added. “To compete against him & to work with him was a blessing in my life. Sorry for your loss Walton family. We’ll miss him too. Doc.”
Magic Johnson called Walton “one of the most skilled centers we’ve ever seen.”
“His NCAA Championship performance as a UCLA Bruin against Memphis is by far the most dominate NCAA Championship performance ever — he shot 21 for 22 and had us all mesmerized!” Johnson posted. “That’s when I first fell in love with his basketball game.
“They talk about Jokic being the most skilled center but Bill Walton was first!” he added. “From shooting jump shots to making incredible passes, he was one of the smartest basketball players to ever live. Bill was a great ambassador for college basketball and the NBA, and he will be sorely missed.”
