Bill Walton dead at 71: NBA Hall of Famer and ESPN legend passes away following brave cancer battle
NBA legend Bill Walton has died after a long battle with cancer.
The Hall of Famer and two-time NBA champion died at the age of 71.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver released a statement regarding the death of the iconic player.
“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind,” the statement read.
“As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the center position.
“His unique 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.
“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.”
Walton played 10 seasons in the NBA on his way to a Hall of Fame induction.
He spent time with the Portland Trailblazers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Boston Celtics. His championships came with the Trailblazers and Celtics.
On top of his MVPs and championships, Walton led the league in blocks and rebounds in 1977, as well as winning Sixth Man of the Year in 1986.
Walton moved into sports media following his retirement from the NBA in 1990.
He spent time as a color commentator for CBS, NBC, ABC, and ESPN.
Walton also spent time as the commentator for the Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings.
Sports media wasn’t the only thing Walton tried out. He also auditioned for the role of Chewbacca in Star Wars.
The 6-foot-11 player had the size for the role, but in the end, was never considered.
“I auditioned for Chewbacca and they said, ‘No, but we’re going to model the character after you,’” Walton said on a college basketball broadcast.
Walton did make an appearance in one film, having a minor role in the 1984 Ghostbusters movie.
2024 NBA Draft order - lottery picks
- Atlanta Hawks
- Washington Wizards
- Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn)
- San Antonio Spurs
- Detroit Pistons
- Charlotte Hornets
- Portland Trail Blazers
- San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto)
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Utah Jazz
- Chicago Bulls
- Oklahoma City Thunder (via Houston)
- Sacramento Kings
- Portland Trail Blazers (via Golden State)
The Hall of Fame player was iconic on and off the court, and tributes have poured in for him on social media.
“Such incredibly sad news. Bill Walton was one of the most magnetic, engaging, basketball-loving personalities I ever encountered covering this game. He will be so, so, SO missed,” NBA reporter Marc Stein said.
“Rest in peace Bill Walton — a true one of one, somehow who brought as much joy and creativity to the sport of basketball as anyone ever,” The Ringer founder Bill Simmons wrote.
“The man took a joyride through the cosmos. Thank you for your life,” SportsCenter host Scott Van Pelt shared.
“RIP to a legend who was truly one of one. Prayers and love to all of Bill’s loved ones,” ESPN announcer Ryan Ruocco said.
“When you think of people who define authenticity, Bill Walton is that word at its core. He was a beaming light in basketball, and kind to everybody he encountered,” Fox Sports broadcaster John Fanta wrote.