Bill Walton, legendary NBA player and broadcaster, dead at 71

NBA

By Andrew Crane

Bill Walton, a former NBA MVP and Hall of Famer who then became a legendary broadcaster, died from cancer 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 starred at UCLA under John Wooden before being selected No. 1 overall in the 1974 NBA Draft, where he embarked on a career with the Trail Blazers, Clippers and Celtics across 10 seasons — with five seasons entirely lost to foot injuries mixed in.

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

He initially joined ESPN in 2002 after 12 years at NBC to serve as their lead NBA analyst, and in 2012, he began calling games again with the network — this time as a college basketball analyst for Pac-12 broadcasts.

Walton, who won one NBA title with Portland and another with Boston, became known for his unique style of broadcasting, with bizarre and hilarious moments scattered throughout the games that often had little to do with the action 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 translated his infectious enthusiasm and love for the game to broadcasting, where he delivered insightful and colorful commentary which 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.”