Just In: NBA Legend Bill Walton Dies at 71 After Long Health Battle
One of the most gregarious and beloved players in NBA history has died at the age of 71. Two-time NBA champion and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Bill Walton died on Monday, the NBA announced in a news release…
One of the most gregarious and beloved players in NBA history has died at the age of 71.
Two-time NBA champion and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Bill Walton died on Monday, the NBA announced in a news release.
According to the release, Walton was surrounded by his family.
The former UCLA star died after a “prolonged battle with cancer,” it said.
“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.”
Indeed, while modern players such as the Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic may have normalized the idea of centers who have the passing ability of a point guard, Walton was an absolute anomaly for his day. His passing was the crux of his very unique skill set.
Did you watch Bill Walton play?