Invoice Walton, NBA champion and beloved broadcaster, dies aged 71 | Basketball Information

Tributes pour in for Walton, a two-time NBA champion and basketball Corridor of Famer remembered as ‘really one among a form’.

Invoice Walton, a two-time Nationwide Basketball Affiliation (NBA) champion, Corridor of Fame participant and beloved broadcaster, has died on the age of 71, the league says.

The NBA stated Walton handed away on Monday after a protracted battle with most cancers.

“Invoice Walton was really one among a form,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated in a press release.

Walton, a 6-foot-11 (211cm) centre who moved gracefully regardless of his peak, rose to stardom in school the place he was a part of the College of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), dynasty below coach John Wood.

He received Nationwide Collegiate Athletics Affiliation (NCAA) championships in 1972 and 1973 earlier than establishing himself as a drive early in his skilled profession.

Walton led the Portland Path Blazers to the championship in 1977, and he was named the NBA’s Most Useful Participant the next 12 months.

His most well-known efficiency was the 1973 NCAA title sport – UCLA in opposition to Memphis – through which he shot an unimaginable 21-for-22 from the sector and led the Bruins to a different nationwide championship.

However Walton’s NBA profession – disrupted by continual foot accidents – lasted solely 468 video games with Portland, then San Diego and finally the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Boston Celtics.

He averaged 13.3 factors and 10.5 rebounds in these video games, neither of these numbers precisely record-setting. Nonetheless, his influence on the sport was large.

“As a Corridor of Fame participant, he redefined the centre place. His distinctive all-around abilities made him a dominant drive at UCLA and led to an NBA regular-season and Finals MVP, two NBA championships and a spot on the NBA’s fiftieth and seventy fifth Anniversary Groups,” Silver stated on Monday.

When Walton retired from the NBA, he turned to broadcasting, one thing he by no means thought he might be good at or could be doable for him as a result of he had a pronounced stutter at occasions in his life.

However he excelled, successful an Emmy award and finally being named one of many high 50 sports activities broadcasters of all time by the American Sportscasters Affiliation.

Relaxation in peace to a good friend, 2X NBA Champion, Corridor of Famer, and probably the most expert facilities we’ve ever seen Invoice Walton! His NCAA Championship efficiency as a UCLA Bruin in opposition to Memphis is by far probably the most dominate NCAA Championship efficiency ever – he shot 21 for 22 and had…

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 27, 2024

And Walton, who was enshrined within the Corridor of Fame in 1993, was bigger than life, each on and off the court docket.

He “delivered insightful and vibrant commentary which entertained generations of basketball followers”, Silver stated on Monday. “However what I’ll keep in mind most about him was his zest for all times.

“He was a daily presence at league occasions – at all times upbeat, smiling ear to ear and seeking to share his knowledge and heat.”

Tributes additionally rolled in for Walton from a number of the largest names in basketball, together with Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who described Walton as “probably the most expert facilities we’ve ever seen”.

“They speak about [Denver Nuggets star Nikola] Jokic being probably the most expert middle however Invoice Walton was first! From capturing bounce pictures to creating unimaginable passes, he was one of many smartest basketball gamers to ever stay,” Johnson wrote on X.

“Invoice was an ideal ambassador for faculty basketball and the NBA, and he will probably be sorely missed.”

Julius “Dr J” Erving additionally paid tribute to Walton and provided condolences to his household.

“Invoice Walton loved life in each method. To compete in opposition to him & to work with him was a blessing in my life,” Erving stated in a social media put up.

I’m unhappy right this moment listening to that my comrade & one of many sports activities worlds most beloved champions & characters has handed. Invoice Walton loved life in each method. To compete in opposition to him & to work with him was a blessing in my life. Sorry in your loss Walton household. We’ll miss him too. Doc pic.twitter.com/GAEt1DRH8N

— Julius Dr J Erving (@JuliusErving) May 27, 2024