Basketball world mourns loss of NBA legend Bill Walton
Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Bill Walton passed away on Monday at the age of 71 after a long battle with cancer.
The sad news was broken first by the NBA's commissioner, Adam Silver, who released a statement announcing Walton's passing. He had passed away while surrounded by his family.
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/fdlty5X3F5
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 27, 2024
Basketball world mourns the loss of NBA legend Bill Walton
Rest in peace Bill Walton — a true one of one, somehow who brought as much joy and creativity to the sport of basketball as anyone ever.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) May 27, 2024
NBA Insider Bill Simmons said it best. Walton was a true one of one. Not only was he a Hall of Famer off the court, he was a pleasure to listen to in the booth when he'd call a game.
Bill Walton was definitely one of a kind. Rest in peace pic.twitter.com/LN7eyMYzba
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) May 27, 2024
RIP to an all time great Bill Walton
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) May 27, 2024
such a pioneer & unique spirit he could literally say anything and it didn’t seem out of place or out of character
true sign of greatness: sometimes would tune into a late night game he was calling just to hear him, the teams were irrelevant pic.twitter.com/OPr1lOWso6
RIP to one of my all time favorites. Bill Walton truly one of a kind. pic.twitter.com/GAO8dP5hEI
— Mark (@lebatardshowfan) May 27, 2024
It didn't matter whether it was NBA, college, or even baseball. Fans tuned in to listen to Bill Walton talk. Nobody enjoyed the job more.
Absolutely crushed to hear of the passing of the legendary Bill Walton, whose intellect, sense of humor, and zest for life were even bigger than he was.
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) May 27, 2024
He was also, when healthy, every bit as good a big man as there ever was, with a game that was decades ahead of his time -… pic.twitter.com/s8h134f4M4
Not only was Walton a terrific man and an awesome listen, but as ESPN's Mike Greenberg says, he was quite the player. He'd be a great fit in the modern NBA.
Walton was limited to just ten seasons as he dealt with a slew of injuries throughout his NBA career, but he was dominant when healthy. He was an MVP and Defensive Player of the Year with the Portland Trail Blazers and a two-time champion in his two seasons with the Boston Celtics.
Walton averaged 13.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.2 blocks in his NBA career. He was one of the best defenders of his era, could pass the ball a bit, and could score when needed as well.
Bill Walton has passed away at the age of 71.
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) May 27, 2024
2x NCAA Champion
2x NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player
3x National College Player of the Year
3x First-Team All American
1993 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee
A legend of the game forever. pic.twitter.com/t8Bk16dpdx
UCLA mourns the passing of two-time NCAA champion Bill Walton, a Naismith Hall of Fame inductee (1993) and charter member of the @UCLAAthletics Hall of Fame (1984).
— UCLA Men’s Basketball (@UCLAMBB) May 27, 2024
𝑰𝑵 𝑴𝑬𝑴𝑶𝑹𝑰𝑨𝑴: https://t.co/VwZwd9uVDs pic.twitter.com/6GrCWvplK7
Before dominating the NBA, Walton absolutely owned college ball. While playing for the UCLA Bruins, Walton won two National Championships and was a three-time first-team All-American. He has a resume that can be matched by only a select few players. To then back that up in the NBA and only get better shows exactly why despite only playing ten seasons in the NBA, he's a Hall of Famer in every sense of the phrase.
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