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News, Blog and GuidesHall of Fame center Bill Walton, a two-time national champion at UCLA and two-time NBA champion, died Monday after a prolonged battle with cancer at the age of 71.
Paul Reidypaulreidy67Update: May 27th, 2024 14:07 EDT
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The world of basketball was in morning on Monday with the news that Bill Walton had passed away at the age of 71 after losing his battle against cancer.
Bill Walton has passed away at the age of 71.2x NCAA Champion2x NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player3x National College Player of the Year3x First-Team All American1993 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame InducteeA legend of the game forever. pic.twitter.com/t8Bk16dpdx
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) May 27, 2024
NBA commissioner Adam Silver paid a tribute to the California born player stating: “Bill Walton was truly one of a kind. “As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the center position. 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”.
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/fdlty5X3F5
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 27, 2024
Blaze of glory
After impressing with UCLA, Walton was drafted by the Portland Trailblazers in 1974 but struggled with injury in his first few years in Oregon.
Walton was instrumental in the Trailblazers first and to date, only NBA Championship win in 1977 as Portland overcame the highly fancied favored Philadelphia 76ers. After losing the first two games, the Blazers won four straight to win the NBA championship with Walton scoring 20 points and grabbed 23 rebounds in the clinching Game 6 victory.
His performance prompting 76ers coach Gene Shue to comment after the series: “Bill Walton is the best player for a big man who ever played the game of basketball.”
RIP Bill Walton. A true original. UCLA and NBA legend. Deadhead extraordinaire. Passionate PAC12 advocate. Thanks for the memories. God speed. pic.twitter.com/sgO01FLqQa
— Cathy Tiffany (@cathytiffany) May 27, 2024
Move to the Clippers
In 1979, Walton moved to the, then San Diego Clippers but as before, injury hampered his regularity with a foot problem ruling him out of both 1980–81 and 1981–82 seasons.
He finally recovered and started to perform on a more regular basis as the Clippers made the move to Los Angeles and with apparent interest from the Lakers, it was arch rivals, Boston Celtics who made a move for the flame haired player in 1985.
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Celtics NBA win
Walton was a hit with Celtics fans and a year after his arrival in Beantown, he helped steer Boston to the 1986 NBA Finals, the Celtics defeated the Houston Rockets with legendary “Twin Towers” Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson 4–2 to win the NBA Championship.
