Bill Walton, the NBA legend known for his outstanding career on the court and his charismatic presence as a commentator, has passed away at the age of 71 following a prolonged battle with cancer.
The NBA announced this heartbreaking news on Monday morning, confirming that Walton was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver paid tribute to Walton, describing him as a dominant force in basketball and a vibrant personality off the court. Silver highlighted Walton’s infectious positivity and the lasting impact he made at numerous league events.
Walton’s illustrious basketball journey began at UCLA, where he played from 1971 to 1974. His exceptional performance led to the Portland Trail Blazers selecting him as the first overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft.
During his four seasons with the Trail Blazers, Walton secured his first of two NBA titles and earned an NBA MVP award.
Despite his success, injuries plagued his career, causing him to miss significant playing time and ultimately altering his professional trajectory.
After his time in Portland, Walton went on to play for the Los Angeles Clippers and the Boston Celtics, where he continued to leave his mark on the game.
