Basketball legend Bill Walton is no more

• He died on Monday aged 71 according to the NBA which announced his demise
• Adam Silver, the NBA commissioner in a statement described Walton as a gracious
• Wanton was a fascinating basketball player with a mix of quirkiness and intelligence

Legendary Basketball Hall of Fame star Bill Walton is no more.

He died on Monday aged 71 according to the NBA which announced his demise. Walton succumbed to cancer which he has been battling for years.

Adam Silver, the NBA commissioner in a statement described Walton as a gracious person who impacted the lives of many people.

Silver said that the basketball Hall of Fame legend loved life and never missed NBA events which showed his zeal for the sport.

“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind. 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.”

“As a cherished member of the NBA family for 50 years, Bill will be deeply missed by all those who came to know and love him,” Silver said in a statement.

Bill Walton. Photo/NBC News

Who Was Bill Wanton?

Bill Wanton was a fascinating basketball player with a mix of quirkiness and intelligence.  Under the famous coach John Wooden, he led UCLA to back-to-back national titles in 1972 and 1973.

He was a dominant player in collegiate basketball.  The 6’11” centre was famous for his amazing passing abilities, cunning on the court, and a hint of rebellion.

Walton’s NBA career was hindered by persistent foot injuries, even though he was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1974.

He had moments of sheer dominance despite the injury setbacks, winning NBA titles with the Boston Celtics in 1986 and the Blazers in 1977.

Walton became a fan favourite due to his unusual personality and outspoken nature, but his struggles with injuries made him seem like a bit of a paradox. A player with incredible potential but always on the bench due to injury.

He played on the 50th and 75th-anniversary teams for the NBA and was named MVP of the 1977–78 campaign.

What Was Bill Walton Doing?

Walton gained popularity as a broadcaster after quitting basketball, capturing viewers’ attention with his perceptive commentary and peculiar humour.  He was honoured with an Emmy in 2001 For his work on NBC.

He confessed that he never knew that he would be good at broadcasting but he aced it naturally and it made him happy with his other life outside basketball courts.

Growing up and even as a UCLA player, Walton had a stutter which he thought it would hold him back in his broadcasting career.

Bill Walton. Photo/CNN

When Was Walton Inducted to Hall of Fame?

The deceased was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993 Despite having numerous injuries throughout his career. He had incredible accomplishments.  His time as a UCLA basketball player was genuinely momentous. Under famous NBA coach Wooden, he led the Bruins to consecutive NCAA championships in 1972 and 1973.

These wins were largely attributed to his playmaking, leadership, and superb passing abilities. Despite having a restricted NBA career due to injuries, Walton was nevertheless able to win two NBA titles with different teams.

He won with the Boston Celtics in 1986 and the Portland Trail Blazers in 1977, when he was named NBA Finals MVP.