Bill Walton, legendary NBA player and sports reporter, dies at the age of 71

NBA

From Andreas Crane

Bill Walton, a former NBA MVP and Hall of Fame member who later became a legendary sportscaster, died of cancer on Monday, according to multiple reports.

He was 71 years old.

“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.

Walton played at UCLA under John Wooden before being selected number 1 in the 1974 NBA Draft. He then embarked on a ten-year career with the Trail Blazers, Clippers and Celtics – missing five seasons due to foot injuries.

Walton had a long career as a broadcaster for CBS, NBC and ESPN.

After 12 years at NBC, he joined ESPN in 2002 as a lead NBA analyst and began commentating for the network again in 2012 – this time as a college basketball analyst for Pac-12 broadcasts.

Walton, who won an NBA title with Portland and Boston, became known for his unique style of commentary, in which games were peppered with bizarre and hilarious moments that often had little to do with what was happening on the court.

He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.

“As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the center position,” Silver continued in his statement. “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 transferred his infectious enthusiasm and love for the game to the broadcasts, where he provided 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 at league events – always in good spirits, with a big smile on his face and always ready to share his wisdom and warmth. I cherished our close friendship, envied his boundless energy and admired the time he took for everyone he met.”