Bill Walton has reportedly passed away at the age of 71 years old after a prolonged battle with cancer.
“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said.
“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.”
Walton was best known as a standout center for the UCLA Bruins and Portland Trailblazers. Picking up two NBA titles and two college basketball championships, Walton solidified his place on the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team and in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Along the way, he earned NBA Finals MVP honors, the 1986 NBA Sixth Man Award and the 1978 NBA MVP award.
After his playing career concluded, he worked as a color commentator for ESPN, ABC, CBS and NBC. In 2009, the the American Sportscasters Association featured him as one of the top 50 sports broadcasters of all time.
“As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the center position,” Silver continued.
“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.”
