Bill Walton, NBA Hall of Famer and multiple championship and MVP winner, has died at 71. He passed away surrounded by family after battling cancer.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised Walton’s zest for life, his presence at league events, and his warm personality.
Walton was also a star at UCLA, leading the team to consecutive NCAA championships in 1972 and 1973. UCLA’s current coach, Mick Cronin, highlighted Walton’s impact on college basketball and his boundless energy and honesty.
Walton’s professional career began as the first overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft, leading to a legendary career with multiple titles. After retiring, he became a beloved broadcaster known for his vibrant personality.
He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993 and was one of the original inductees of the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame in 1984.
Walton is survived by his wife Lori and his four sons, Adam, Nathan, Luke, and Chris.
For more details, see the report by Parade.
https://parade.com/news/nba-hall-of-famer-bill-walton-dead-71?utm_source=pushly