Bill Walton, celebrated as an NBA Hall of Famer and prominent sports broadcaster, has passed away at the age of 71 after a prolonged battle with cancer, as confirmed by the NBA on Monday.
Adam Silver, the NBA commissioner, honored Walton, describing him as “truly one of a kind.” Walton’s remarkable journey in basketball began at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he starred as a center from 1971 to 1974. During his tenure, he led the Bruins to two national championships and an impressive 88-game winning streak.
Following his collegiate success, Walton was the number one overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft, selected by the Portland Trail Blazers. He propelled the Blazers to their first and only NBA championship in 1977 and earned the Most Valuable Player award that season. Walton claimed his second NBA championship in 1986 with the Boston Celtics.
Despite a career limited to 468 games due to chronic foot injuries, Walton transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, where he won an Emmy Award and was celebrated for his dynamic and passionate commentary style. Overcoming a significant stutter that had marked his early life, Walton found his voice, telling radio host John Canzano in 2017 that learning to speak was “my greatest accomplishment of my life and everybody else’s biggest nightmare.”
Adam Silver remarked on Walton’s “infectious enthusiasm and love for the game” and his unique and extensive influence on the sport, both as a player who redefined the center position and as a commentator.
Known for his vibrant personality and distinctive tie-dyed T-shirts, Walton was a familiar and beloved figure at NBA events, always eager to share his knowledge and warmth. Mick Cronin, UCLA’s basketball coach, reflected on Walton’s significant impact on UCLA’s basketball program and college basketball at large.
Bill Walton was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993. He is survived by his wife, Lori, and four sons, including Luke Walton, a former NBA player and current assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
