NBA legend and Hall of Famer Bill Walton has passed away at the age of 71 after a prolonged battle with cancer, the National Basketball Association announced. Walton had a remarkable career in college basketball and the NBA and later a successful career as a commentator.
Walton won two NBA championships in his glittering career, one with the Portland Trail Blazers in 1977 and the other with the Boston Celtics in 1986.
“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”, the statement read.
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Bill Walton – A College Basketball and NBA Stalwart
Walton played for the UCLA Bruins in college under legendary coach John Wooden. He achieved remarkable success during his three seasons at UCLA, leading the team to NCAA championships in 1972 and 1973.
In the NBA, Walton was selected as the first overall pick in the 1974 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. He played 10 seasons in the NBA for the Trail Blazers, the San Diego (now Los Angeles Clippers), and the Boston Celtics. He won numerous awards during his stint in the NBA, including the 1978 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) and leading the Trail Blazers to an NBA championship in 1977, where he was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player. Walton was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993.
Walton’s career statistics include an average of 13.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, per game during the regular season.
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