Products You May Like
Basketball legend Bill Walton has died at the age of 71. The Hall of Famer and Emmy-winning sports broadcaster with two NBA championships to his name died on Monday, May 27 after a prolonged battle with cancer, the NBA announced in a statement.
Walton played for UCLA under coach John Wooden in the 1970s and played for the Portland Trailer Blazers, the Boston Celtics, and the San Diego/L.A. Clippers in the NBA. He was surrounded by his family upon his death.
“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 center position. His unique all-around skills made him a 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 time 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,” the statement concluded. “My heartfelt condolences to Bill’s wife, Lori; his sons, Adam, Luke, and Chris; and his many friends and colleagues.”
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/fdlty5X3F5
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 27, 2024
More to come on this developing story…