Two-time NCAA champion, two-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer Bill Walton has died of cancer at the age of 71, the NBA announced Monday. His popularity took off when he became a commentator. He dazzled fans with his random stories and theory’s completely getting off script. But only Bill could pull that off and get away with it.
He was a long time staple for ESPN college basketball and also for the Pac-12 Network. Before being a mainstay with ESPN and the Pac-12 network, he did cover NBA games as well in the 90’s throughout the 2010’s. Walton other impressive feat was overcoming his stuttering problem.
“I’m a stutterer. I never spoke to anybody. I lived most of my life by myself. But as soon as I got on the court I was fine. But in life, being so self conscious, red hair, big nose, freckles and goofy, nerdy looking face and can’t talk at all. I was incredibly shy and never said a word. Then, when I was 28 I learned how to speak. It’s become my greatest accomplishment of my life and everybody else’s biggest nightmare.”
There will never be another quite like Bill Walton.
His ESPN family will miss him dearly ❤️ pic.twitter.com/mvS0Sh5iWZ
— ESPN (@espn) May 27, 2024
Adam Silver speaks
“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the center position. His unique all-around skills made him a dominant force at UCLA. 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.”
Bill Walton has passed away at the age of 71.
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 InducteeA legend of the game forever. pic.twitter.com/t8Bk16dpdx
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) May 27, 2024
Injuries slowed down what could have been an even better career. The foot injuries started when Walton was in high school and plagued him throughout his pro career. Despite the injuries he was able to accomplish a lot. Here is a list of his accomplishments on the hardwood.
- Two time NCAA Champion
- Two time Final Four Most Outstanding Player
- Three time NCAA player of the year
- #1 overall draft pick in 1974
- 2-time NBA Champion
- NBA Finals MVP
- 50 Greatest players in NBA History
- NBA 75th Anniversary Team
- Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993
Reactions throughout the sports world
RIP to a true legend and one of a kind personality, Bill Walton.
We know Bill’s legacy will continue to Shine On! pic.twitter.com/CQsROEET1D
— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) May 27, 2024
Bill Walton laughed at himself; cared deeply about people history ignored; and was one of the greatest athletes to ever walk the Earth. A planet he both adored and transcended. RIP ???? pic.twitter.com/9rCWruhGUs
— ‘Miserable’ Pablo Torre ????️ (@PabloTorre) May 27, 2024
I am sad today hearing that my comrade & one of the sports worlds most beloved champions & characters has passed. Bill Walton enjoyed life in every way. To compete against him & to work with him was a blessing in my life. Sorry for your loss Walton family. We’ll miss him too. Doc pic.twitter.com/GAEt1DRH8N
— Julius Dr J Erving (@JuliusErving) May 27, 2024
RIP to one of my all time favorites. Bill Walton truly one of a kind. pic.twitter.com/GAO8dP5hEI
— Mark (@lebatardshowfan) May 27, 2024
This tribute from ESPN's @roxybernstein to the @Pac12 from Saturday night is even more meaningful today with the visuals and nod to Bill Walton.
"Thank you for my life."pic.twitter.com/YLbQ61LRTN
— bill hofheimer (@bhofheimer_espn) May 27, 2024
No, Bill. Thank you for your life. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3LCRvs4XlJ
— Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) May 27, 2024
Bill Walton was one of the few broadcasters who wasn’t afraid of telling Liberty to eat shit. pic.twitter.com/IqTgy2MCTR
— Mike Beauvais (@MikeBeauvais) May 27, 2024
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
