Hall of Famer Bill Walton dies at age 71

Hall of Famer Bill Walton has died at the age of 71, the NBA has announced. Walton had been battling cancer.

The former UCLA star and No. 1 overall draft pick won a pair of NBA championships during his playing career and also won the 1978 MVP. He battled injuries throughout his career.

At UCLA, Walton won three consecutive National Player of the Year, awards, while leading the Bruins to back-to-back national titles. He was named the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player after both seasons.

Bill Walton played in the NBA from 1974-1988, ending his career with the Boston Celtics. He was forced to retire from basketball due to injuries.

He is on the NBA’s list of the 50 greatest players in league history, despite everything he had to overcome.

Bill Walton got into broadcasting after his playing days and was known for his unique style of analyzing games. He worked as a broadcaster for CBS, NBC and most recently ESPN, calling mostly Pac-12 games.

Walton and his broadcasting partner Dave Pasch formed quite the broadcasting tandem, and fans regularly tuned in for their entertaining style.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement following Walton’s death, detailing what he meant to the game of basketball as well as what he was like as a friend. The two had a close relationship, according to Silver.

“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind. As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the center position. His unique all-around skills made him a dominant force at UCLA and led to an NBA regular-season and Finals MVP, two NBA championships and a spot on the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams.

“Bill then translated his infectious enthusiasm and love for the game to broadcasting, where he delivered insightful and colorful commentary that entertained generations of basketball fans. But what I will remember most about him was his zest for life.  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. As a cherished member of the NBA family for 50 years, Bill will be deeply missed by all those who came to know and love him. My heartfelt condolences to Bill’s wife, Lori; his sons, Adam, Nate, Luke and Chris; and his many friends and colleagues.”