Hall of Famer center and longtime basketball broadcaster Bill Walton passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with cancer, the NBA announced on Monday.
“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 enter position. His unique all-around skills made hima. 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 tiem 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 played 10 seasons in the NBA with the Portland Trail Blazers, San Diego Clippers and Boston Celtics. While his career was marred by injuries, he still accomplished a Hall of Fame resume: he won championships with the Trail Blazers and Celtics in 1977 and 1986, respectively, and was the Finals MVP in 1977
He was a two-time All-Star and two-time All-Defensive First Team. He won the league MVP in 1978 and was the Sixth Man of the Year in 1986.
In college, Walton was a three-time national player of the year at UCLA under John Wooden, and won two NCAA championships.
Following his retirement in 1987, Walton began a long broadcasting career. He worked for CBS, NBC, the Los Angeles Clippers and ESPN/ABC, most recently calling Pac-12 college basketball games alongside play-by-play broadcaster Dave Pasch.