Bill Walton, a legendary basketball player and Hall of Famer, has passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loved ones at the time of his passing, as confirmed by the league.
Bill Walton had a storied career in basketball, both on and off the court. He was drafted first overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1974 and quickly rose to stardom with his lethal hook shot and innovative playing style. In 1977, he helped lead the Trail Blazers to their first and only NBA championship, earning him MVP honors the following year.
Walton’s accomplishments went beyond the NBA. As a player at UCLA, he won two national titles and was later inducted into both the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame and the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame. His charisma and boundless energy endeared him to many, both on and off the court.
After retiring from playing basketball, Walton transitioned to broadcasting and became a familiar face in basketball media. His knowledge of the game shone through in his commentary, earning him respect from players and fans alike.
Walton is survived by his wife Lori and four sons, Adam, Chris, Luke, and Nathan. His legacy as a basketball icon and ambassador for the sport will be remembered fondly by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
