Basketball icon Bill Walton, renowned for guiding the UCLA Bruins to two national titles and securing two championships in his NBA career, has passed away at 71 years old after a courageous fight against cancer.
Walton passed away on Monday in the company of his loved ones, as confirmed by his family in a statement issued by the NBA.
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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed his admiration for Bill Walton, describing him as a unique individual.
He earned the title of NBA’s MVP in the 1977-78 season and was honored as a member of the league’s 50th and 75th anniversary teams. Prior to his professional career, he achieved great success in college, winning two championships at UCLA and being named the national player of the year three times under the guidance of legendary coach John Wooden.
In his statement, Silver expressed that the most memorable aspect of him was his enthusiasm for life. He mentioned that the late individual always had a positive presence at league events, with a constant smile on his face and a desire to share his wisdom and warmth with others. Silver cherished their close friendship and admired the boundless energy the person possessed. He also commended the individual for taking the time to connect with every person they met.
“Bill, a beloved member of the NBA family for 50 years, will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing and loving him.”
Bill Walton, a towering figure at 6-foot-11, left an indelible mark on the world of basketball. His excellence as a player earned him a spot in the prestigious Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993. However, Walton’s impact extended far beyond the court. His larger-than-life personality and charisma made him a beloved figure both on and off the court. Even in his broadcasting career, Walton continued to captivate audiences with his unique style and passionate commentary.
In his NBA journey, which was unfortunately hampered by persistent foot injuries, he had the opportunity to play in 468 games for the Portland Trail Blazers, LA Clippers (formerly San Diego Clippers), and Boston Celtics. Throughout these games, he showcased his skills by consistently averaging a double-double of 13.3 points and 10.5 rebounds.
His impact on the game was massive, even though neither of those numbers is near record-setting.
The Trail Blazers expressed their heartfelt sentiments about the late Bill Walton, acknowledging him as a true legend. They recognized his exceptional skills as a player and his valuable contributions as a broadcaster. According to the team, Bill was more than just basketball; he was a larger-than-life figure. His infectious positivity and vibrant personality will always be fondly remembered and cherished by the organization, Rip City, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
In the 1973 NCAA title matchup between UCLA and Memphis State, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar delivered a standout performance that cemented his legacy. He astoundingly made 21 out of 22 field goal attempts, propelling the Bruins to yet another national championship.
Walton was repeatedly entrusted with the ball by the Bruins, and time and time again, he delivered an unforgettable performance.
According to UCLA coach Mick Cronin on Monday, expressing the significance of his contributions to UCLA’s program and the immense influence he has had on college basketball is a challenging task. Cronin acknowledges that aside from his extraordinary achievements as a player, it is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s unwavering passion for the game, boundless energy, and unfiltered honesty that have defined his larger-than-life persona.
“As a devoted UCLA alumnus and broadcaster, he thoroughly enjoyed the company of our players, listening to their stories, and imparting his wisdom and guidance. As a coach, I appreciated his honesty, kindness, and unwavering commitment. His absence will be deeply felt, and it’s difficult to envision a season in Pauley Pavilion without his presence.”
In 1984, Walton was inducted into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame as a charter member. The Bruins later retired his No. 32 jersey, along with the No. 33 jersey of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (known as Lew Alcindor in college), making them the first two men’s basketball jersey numbers to receive this honor in 1990.
Abdul-Jabbar took to X to express his grief over the passing of his dear friend and NBA rival, Bill Walton. He described the weight that the world now feels after losing such a remarkable individual. While Bill was known for his ferocity on the court, Abdul-Jabbar highlighted his genuine desire to bring happiness to those around him off the court.
He was truly the epitome of excellence among us.
After his retirement from the NBA, Walton ventured into broadcasting, a path he never believed he could excel in due to his occasional struggles with a pronounced stutter.
It turns out that he was also incredibly talented in that area, as he ended up winning an Emmy award.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised Bill’s contributions to the game, stating, “As a Hall of Fame player, he revolutionized the center position. Bill then brought his contagious enthusiasm and passion for the game to broadcasting, providing generations of basketball fans with insightful and vibrant commentary.”
Bill Walton began his tenure with ESPN and ABC back in 2002, where he served as a prominent analyst for NBA games. However, in 2012, he made a transition to college basketball. Prior to his time with ESPN and ABC, Walton also had stints with CBS and NBC. His exceptional contributions to the field of sports broadcasting did not go unnoticed, as he was recognized as one of the top 50 sports broadcasters of all time by the esteemed American Sportscasters Association in 2009.
According to a statement from ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro, Bill Walton, a renowned player and exceptional individual, truly valued every moment in his remarkable life. Bill often referred to himself as “the luckiest guy in the world,” but those who had the chance to engage with him were truly fortunate. He possessed a truly unique and generous nature, always finding time for others.
Bill’s unique spirit mesmerized and motivated crowds throughout his second career as a thriving broadcaster. We, at ESPN, offer our heartfelt sympathies to Bill’s loved ones, which includes the entire Walton family.
Walton’s on-air tangents endeared him to the audience. He would occasionally sport Grateful Dead T-shirts during his broadcasts, showcasing his deep admiration for the band. Walton’s love for the Grateful Dead would often find its way into his commentary, and he even recorded satellite radio specials dedicated to celebrating the essence of being a Deadhead.
“In life, I always felt self-conscious about my red hair, big nose, freckles, and goofy, nerdy-looking face. I was incredibly shy and would never say a word,” Walton shared with The Oregonian in 2017. “But when I turned 28, something changed. I learned how to speak, and it has become my greatest accomplishment in life, although it may have been everyone else’s biggest nightmare.”
The Pac-12 Conference, which has suffered greatly due to college realignment, held a special place in his heart. He affectionately called it the “Conference of Champions” and remained a passionate supporter until the very end.
During an ESPN broadcast, he expressed his enthusiasm with a tie-dyed T-shirt and a Hawaiian lei around his neck, stating, “It couldn’t get any better than this.”
In his memoir “Back from the Dead,” Walton’s compelling story of resilience and triumph earned him a place on The New York Times’ bestseller list. The book recounts the challenges he faced after a severe back injury in 2008, which pushed him to the brink of despair. Struggling with the relentless pain, Walton shares his journey of recovery and the years it took to rebuild his life.
In his last years, Walton voiced his concerns about the issues that held the utmost importance to him, including the troubling matter of homelessness in his hometown of San Diego.
Bill Walton, the first overall pick of the 1974 NBA draft, had a remarkable 10-year career in the NBA. He achieved great success, winning championships with both the Trail Blazers in 1977 and the Celtics in 1986. Throughout his career, Walton accumulated impressive statistics, including 6,215 points, 4,923 rebounds, 1,034 blocks, and 1,590 assists.
According to a statement from the Celtics, Bill Walton was a highly influential player during his time. The statement describes him as someone who possessed a wide range of skills, including impeccable timing, exceptional court vision, and strong fundamental abilities. Additionally, he is recognized as one of the best big men in the history of the league when it comes to passing the ball.
He was a two-time All-Star and accomplished the feat of leading the NBA in rebounding and blocks in 1977. In addition to that, he was honored as the league’s Sixth Man of the Year in 1986. Interestingly, he is the only player, apart from James Harden, to have achieved the remarkable distinction of winning both the MVP and the Sixth Man award.
“They say Nikola Jokic is the most skilled center, but let’s not forget that Bill Walton was the original trailblazer!” NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson passionately expressed on X. “From his silky jump shots to his jaw-dropping passes, Walton was undoubtedly one of the most intelligent basketball players to grace the court. His impact went beyond his skills; he was a true ambassador for both college basketball and the NBA. The world of basketball will feel a profound loss without him.”
Walton’s name will forever be linked to UCLA’s unparalleled success.
“Bill Walton’s passing is an immense tragedy, deeply saddening for the entire UCLA basketball community,” expressed Digger Phelps, former Notre Dame coach and ESPN college basketball analyst, on social media. “We shared a profound friendship throughout the years, and his absence will be profoundly felt.”
In 1970, he joined UCLA, just before freshmen were allowed to compete at the varsity level. When he finally had the opportunity to play for Wooden, the Bruins became an unstoppable force for over two years. During Walton’s time at UCLA, the team won an incredible 73 games, which accounted for the majority of their remarkable 88-game winning streak.
During his time on the varsity team, UCLA achieved an impressive 30-0 record in each of his first two seasons. Throughout his career, he maintained an outstanding 86-4 win-loss ratio.
“My Hall of Fame speech in 1993 was a time for me to reflect on the incredible impact my teammates had on my basketball career,” expressed Walton. “I truly believe that it is the concept of team that makes basketball so fascinating to me. Unlike individual sports like tennis or golf, where success is measured solely by personal accomplishments, basketball thrives on the collective efforts of a team. I owe my growth as a player to the invaluable contributions of my teammates, who pushed me to become the best version of myself.”
