Bill Walton, Hall of Fame player who became a star broadcaster, dies of cancer at 71

Bill Walton fearlessly embraced his authentic self.

With a towering stature of nearly 7 feet, Bill Walton’s persona was larger than life. He achieved remarkable success as a two-time NCAA champion at UCLA, a two-time NBA champion, and a revered inductee into the Basketball Hall of Fame. On the court, he was an iconic figure, and off the court, he was known for his carefree spirit, breaking away from traditional norms as a broadcaster, and his deep commitment to causes close to his heart.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver aptly described Bill Walton as “truly one of a kind.”

After a courageous battle with cancer, Walton passed away at the age of 71, as announced by the league on behalf of his family. Throughout his career, he was honored as the NBA’s MVP in the 1977-78 season, the league’s sixth man of the year in 1985-86, and a member of the NBA’s 50th and 75th anniversary teams. His college career under the guidance of coach John Wooden at UCLA was equally illustrious, earning him the title of three-time national player of the year.

Fellow Hall of Famer Julius “Dr. J” Erving expressed his sorrow at Walton’s passing, highlighting Walton’s zest for life and the joy he brought to those around him. Tributes poured in from all corners, and the NBA paid homage to Walton with a moment of silence before the Boston Celtics-Indiana Pacers game.

Bill Walton, a revered figure in the basketball world, entered the Hall of Fame in 1993 and left an indelible mark on the sport despite his NBA career being marred by persistent foot injuries, limiting him to 468 games across the Portland Trail Blazers, the San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers, and the.