Bill Walton, a towering figure in the world of basketball, has sadly succumbed to cancer at the age of 71. His remarkable contributions to the sport and his enduring legacy have left an indelible mark on basketball history. As news of his passing reverberates throughout the sports community, fans and colleagues alike mourn the loss of a true legend.
Bill Walton Dies Of Cancer At 71
Basketball icon Bill Walton celebrated for guiding the UCLA Bruins to two national championships and later clinching two NBA titles, has passed away at the age of 71 following a prolonged battle with cancer.
Walton’s family announced his passing on Monday, sharing that he was surrounded by loved ones in his final moments, as revealed in a statement released by the NBA.
“Bill Walton was truly a unique talent,” remarked NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in a statement.
Renowned for being the NBA’s MVP during the 1977-78 season and a distinguished member of both the league’s 50th and 75th-anniversary teams, Walton’s illustrious career began with stellar performances at UCLA, where he secured two collegiate championships and earned three national player of the year accolades under the mentorship of legendary coach John Wooden.
Standing at an imposing 6-foot-11, Walton was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993, marking the culmination of his larger-than-life presence both on and off the court, as well as in his broadcasting endeavors.
Despite enduring chronic foot injuries that curtailed his NBA career to just 468 games with the Portland Trail Blazers, LA Clippers (formerly San Diego), and Boston Celtics, Walton maintained an impressive double-double average of 13.3 points and 10.5 rebounds.
While these statistics may not have been record-setting, Walton’s profound impact on the sport resonated deeply, cementing his legacy as a true basketball luminary.
His most renowned performance unfolded during the 1973 NCAA title showdown between UCLA and Memphis State. In this historic game, he demonstrated unparalleled accuracy, sinking an astonishing 21 out of 22 shots from the field, propelling the Bruins to yet another national championship victory.
Throughout the game, the Bruins entrusted Walton with the ball, and he consistently delivered an unforgettable performance.
Recognizing his immense contributions to UCLA basketball, Walton was inducted as a charter member into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame in 1984. Moreover, his jersey number, No. 32, was retired alongside the No. 33 of former UCLA star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (formerly known as Lew Alcindor), marking the first time two men’s basketball jersey numbers were retired by the Bruins in 1990.
Expressing his profound sorrow at Walton’s passing, Abdul-Jabbar took to X, stating, “My very close friend, fellow Bruin, and NBA rival Bill Walton passed away today. And the world feels so much heavier now. On the court, Bill was a fierce player, but off the court, he wasn’t happy unless he did everything he could to make everyone around him happy. He was the best of us.”
Today I had to say goodbye to
a great friend that I will always miss….@UCLAAthletics @UCLAMBB @NBA pic.twitter.com/JIA3sORJgY
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) May 27, 2024
Following his retirement from professional basketball, Walton transitioned into broadcasting, a career path he initially doubted due to his pronounced stutter at various points in his life. Yet, he persevered and excelled in this role, defying his own expectations and inspiring others along the way.
