Bill Walton, the two-time NBA champion and NBA Hall of Famer, passed away on Monday after battling cancer for an extended period of time. The NBA announced his passing, stating that he was surrounded by his family during his final moments.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver paid tribute to Walton, describing him as a true legend who redefined the center position. Walton’s impact on the game was undeniable, as he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993. Despite his career being plagued by chronic foot injuries, Walton played 468 games in the NBA for teams like Portland, San Diego, Los Angeles Clippers, and Boston. Although his statistics of 13.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game were not record-setting, his presence on and off the court was larger than life.
One of the most memorable moments in Walton’s career came during the 1973 NCAA title game between UCLA and Memphis. In that game, Walton shot an incredible 21 for 22 from the field, leading the Bruins to another national championship. His coach at UCLA, John Wooden, recalled that during a timeout, when someone suggested trying a different strategy, Wooden responded with, “Why? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” This anecdote showcases Walton’s dominance and the trust his team had in him.
Mick Cronin, the current coach of UCLA, spoke highly of Walton’s impact on the program and college basketball as a whole. He highlighted Walton’s relentless energy, enthusiasm for the game, and unwavering candor as defining qualities of his personality. Walton’s love for UCLA and his involvement with the players made him an influential figure both on and off the court.
Selected as the first overall pick in the 1974 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, Walton enjoyed a successful career spanning ten seasons. He won championships with the Blazers in 1977 and the Boston Celtics in 1986. Throughout his career, Walton maintained a double-double average, with impressive numbers of 6,215 points, 4,923 rebounds, 1,034 blocks, and 1,590 assists.
Following his retirement from basketball, Walton ventured into broadcasting, where he became a beloved figure among basketball fans. Starting as a lead analyst for NBA games on ESPN in 2002, he later transitioned to college basketball in 2012. In 2009, the American Sportscasters Association recognized him as one of the top 50 sports broadcasters of all time.
Bill Walton’s zest for life was something that many will remember about him. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver highlighted his boundless energy and the generosity of his time with everyone he encountered. Walton’s positive presence and infectious smile made him a regular at league events. He always looked to share his wisdom and warmth with others, leaving a lasting impact on those he interacted with.
In conclusion, Bill Walton was not only a remarkable basketball player but also a cherished broadcaster and a genuinely kind individual. His contributions to the game will forever be remembered, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes and fans alike.
