Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Chet Walker passed away at the age of 84, as confirmed by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Saturday. Walker, a seven-time All-Star and member of the Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor, had an illustrious career in the NBA.
Born on February 22, 1940, Walker stood at an impressive height of 6-foot-7 and played as a forward. He began his basketball journey as a two-time All-American with the Bradley Braves. His exceptional skills and talent made him the school’s all-time leading scorer when he graduated in 1962.
Even today, Walker’s legacy at Bradley University remains intact. His career points of 1,975 still rank fourth on the Braves’ all-time scoring list. Additionally, he holds the record for the most career double-doubles with an impressive 54.
Walker’s professional career began with the Syracuse Nationals in the 1962-63 season. However, he soon became a part of the Philadelphia 76ers after the team relocated. He played with the 76ers for six seasons, from 1963 to 1969, before joining the Chicago Bulls for another six seasons, from 1969 to 1975.
During his time in the NBA, Walker showcased his scoring prowess and rebounding ability. He accumulated a total of 18,831 points and grabbed 7,314 rebounds in his 1,032-game career. This translates to an average of 18.2 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.
Walker’s achievements did not go unnoticed, as he was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012. This prestigious honor solidified his status as one of the greatest players in basketball history.
Beyond his individual accomplishments, Walker also experienced team success. He won an NBA championship with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1967, showcasing his ability to contribute to a winning team.
Chet Walker’s impact on the game of basketball extends far beyond his statistics and accolades. He was known for his smooth shooting stroke, versatility, and consistency on both ends of the court. Walker’s contributions to the sport will always be remembered, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of basketball players.
