NBA legend Bill Walton has passed away at the age of 71, after a battle with cancer. He was one of the most versatile players to step foot on the court, impressing with his defense, rebounding, shot-blocking, passing, and scoring.
After his 10-year playing career, he remained a cultural icon as a broadcaster, never afraid to be his fun-loving self.
Bill Walton passes away at the age of 71
There will never be another quite like Bill Walton.
— ESPN (@espn) May 27, 2024
His ESPN family will miss him dearly ❤️ pic.twitter.com/mvS0Sh5iWZ
The Basketball Hall of Fame inductee averaged 13.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game during his career. His playing career was interrupted by recurring foot injuries which kept him out for the entirety of 1978/79, 1980/81 and 1981/82.
He won two NCAA titles at UCLA, and went on to become the first draft pick for the Portland Trail Blazers in 1974. Three years later, he led them to their first NBA Championship, defeating Philadelphia 76ers. Nine years after his first win with Portland, he won his second NBA Championship with Celtics.
Bill Walton was the league’s MVP in 1977/78 and was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 1993 after a truly distinguished career. His story is truly inspirational, because after his battle with injuries on the court, he overcame a stutter to become a broadcaster – for which he won an Emmy Award.
