Tributes pour in for Walton, a two-time NBA champion and basketball Corridor of Famer remembered as ‘really one in every of a form’.
Invoice Walton, a two-time Nationwide Basketball Affiliation (NBA) champion, Corridor of Fame participant and beloved broadcaster, has died on the age of 71, the league says.
The NBA mentioned Walton handed away on Monday after a chronic battle with most cancers.
“Invoice Walton was really one in every of a form,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver mentioned in a press release.
Walton, a 6-foot-11 (211cm) centre who moved gracefully regardless of his top, rose to stardom in school the place he was a part of the College of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), dynasty beneath coach John Wood.
He gained Nationwide Collegiate Athletics Affiliation (NCAA) championships in 1972 and 1973 earlier than establishing himself as a pressure early in his skilled profession.
Walton led the Portland Path Blazers to the championship in 1977, and he was named the NBA’s Most Invaluable Participant the next yr.
His most well-known efficiency was the 1973 NCAA title sport – UCLA towards Memphis – by which he shot an unbelievable 21-for-22 from the sector and led the Bruins to a different nationwide championship.
However Walton’s NBA profession – disrupted by power foot accidents – lasted solely 468 video games with Portland, then San Diego and finally the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Boston Celtics.
He averaged 13.3 factors and 10.5 rebounds in these video games, neither of these numbers precisely record-setting. Nonetheless, his affect on the sport was large.
“As a Corridor of Fame participant, he redefined the centre place. His distinctive all-around abilities made him a dominant pressure at UCLA and led to an NBA regular-season and Finals MVP, two NBA championships and a spot on the NBA’s fiftieth and seventy fifth Anniversary Groups,” Silver mentioned on Monday.
When Walton retired from the NBA, he turned to broadcasting, one thing he by no means thought he might be good at or can be doable for him as a result of he had a pronounced stutter at instances in his life.
However he excelled, successful an Emmy award and finally being named one of many high 50 sports activities broadcasters of all time by the American Sportscasters Affiliation.
Relaxation in peace to a buddy, 2X NBA Champion, Corridor of Famer, and one of the crucial expert facilities we’ve ever seen Invoice Walton! His NCAA Championship efficiency as a UCLA Bruin towards Memphis is by far probably the most dominate NCAA Championship efficiency ever – he shot 21 for 22 and had…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) Might 27, 2024
And Walton, who was enshrined within the Corridor of Fame in 1993, was bigger than life, each on and off the courtroom.
He “delivered insightful and vibrant commentary which entertained generations of basketball followers”, Silver mentioned on Monday. “However what I’ll keep in mind most about him was his zest for all times.
“He was an everyday presence at league occasions – all the time upbeat, smiling ear to ear and trying to share his knowledge and heat.”
Tributes additionally rolled in for Walton from a few of the greatest names in basketball, together with Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who described Walton as “one of the crucial expert facilities we’ve ever seen”.
“They speak about [Denver Nuggets star Nikola] Jokic being probably the most expert heart however Invoice Walton was first! From taking pictures soar photographs to creating unbelievable passes, he was one of many smartest basketball gamers to ever reside,” Johnson wrote on X.
“Invoice was an amazing ambassador for faculty basketball and the NBA, and he might be sorely missed.”
Julius “Dr J” Erving additionally paid tribute to Walton and supplied condolences to his household.
“Invoice Walton loved life in each means. To compete towards him & to work with him was a blessing in my life,” Erving mentioned in a social media submit.
I’m unhappy right now listening to that my comrade & one of many sports activities worlds most beloved champions & characters has handed. Invoice Walton loved life in each means. To compete towards him & to work with him was a blessing in my life. Sorry to your loss Walton household. We’ll miss him too. Doc pic.twitter.com/GAEt1DRH8N
— Julius Dr J Erving (@JuliusErving) Might 27, 2024
