Tributes pour in for Walton, a two-time NBA champion and basketball Corridor of Famer remembered as ‘really certainly one of a sort’.
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 certainly one of a sort,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver mentioned in an announcement.
Walton, a 6-foot-11 (211cm) centre who moved gracefully regardless of his peak, rose to stardom in school the place he was a part of the College of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), dynasty beneath coach John Picket.
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 Worthwhile Participant the next yr.
His most well-known efficiency was the 1973 NCAA title sport – UCLA towards Memphis – wherein 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 persistent foot accidents – lasted solely 468 video games with Portland, then San Diego and ultimately 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 impression on the sport was huge.
“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 could possibly be good at or could 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 ultimately 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 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 court docket.
He “delivered insightful and vibrant commentary which entertained generations of basketball followers”, Silver mentioned on Monday. “However what I’ll bear in mind most about him was his zest for all times.
“He was an everyday presence at league occasions – at all times upbeat, smiling ear to ear and trying to share his knowledge and heat.”
Tributes additionally rolled in for Walton from among the largest names in basketball, together with Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who described Walton as “one of the expert facilities we’ve ever seen”.
“They discuss [Denver Nuggets star Nikola] Jokic being probably the most expert middle however Invoice Walton was first! From capturing leap pictures to creating unbelievable passes, he was one of many smartest basketball gamers to ever stay,” Johnson wrote on X.
“Invoice was a fantastic ambassador for school basketball and the NBA, and he might be sorely missed.”
Julius “Dr J” Erving additionally paid tribute to Walton and provided condolences to his household.
“Invoice Walton loved life in each manner. To compete towards him & to work with him was a blessing in my life,” Erving mentioned in a social media publish.
I’m unhappy at present listening to that my comrade & one of many sports activities worlds most beloved champions & characters has handed. Invoice Walton loved life in each manner. To compete towards him & to work with him was a blessing in my life. Sorry on your loss Walton household. We’ll miss him too. Doc pic.twitter.com/GAEt1DRH8N
— Julius Dr J Erving (@JuliusErving) Might 27, 2024
