Bill Walton, the Hall of Fame center and two-time NBA champion, has died at age 71 after a battle with cancer, the NBA announced Monday.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement regarding Walton's death on Monday.
“Bill Walton was truly unique,” Silver said. “As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the center position. His unique and versatile skills made him a dominant force at UCLA and led him to regular-season and NBA Finals MVP honors, two championships of the NBA and a spot in the 50th and 50th spots of the NBA 75th Anniversary Teams. Bill then translated his infectious enthusiasm and love for the game to broadcasting, where he delivered insightful and colorful commentary that entertained generations of basketball fans. But what I will remember most about him was his enthusiasm for life. Presence at league events: always optimistic, smiling from ear to ear and seeking to share his wisdom and warmth. I treasured our close friendship, envied his boundless energy and admired the. time he dedicated to each person he met.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Sportscaster and former NBA player Bill Walton (left) and sportscaster Dave Pasch broadcast before a game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Utah Utes at the annual Neon Hoops Showcase benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer at T-Mobile Arena on December 18, 2019 in Las Vegas. , Snowfall. The Utes defeated the Wildcats 69-66. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
“As a beloved member of the NBA family for 50 years, Bill will be deeply missed by all those who came to know and love him,” Silver continued. “My deepest condolences to Bill's wife, Lori; his children, Adam, Nate, Luke and Chris; and his many friends and colleagues.”
As Silver mentions in his statement, Walton redefined the way centers played basketball, while dominating at UCLA under legendary head coach John Wooden. Walton, who could pass as well as score, which was not common for a center at the time, won three consecutive national player of the year awards from 1972 to 1974 before becoming the first overall pick in the NBA Draft. 1974 by Portland Trail. Jackets.
Walton's impact on an NBA court was swift, as the Trail Blazers would win the 1978 NBA Championship, where Walton was named Finals MVP and league MVP for that season.
LEBRON JAMES' AGENT APPEARS TO REVEAL THE NBA STAR'S PLANS FOR THE OFFSEASON
Walton would have to wait nearly another decade before capturing his second NBA championship, this time playing for the Boston Celtics in what would be his final season in the league.
Walton had to deal with foot injuries during his time in the Association, as he missed four separate seasons due to it, including consecutive ones from 1980 to 1982. He also missed the 1978-79 season after winning the MVP.
After his time in Portland, Walton moved to the then-San Diego Clippers, where he spent four seasons, including his last season when they moved to Los Angeles. He joined the Celtics for the 1985-86 season, helping them win the NBA title that year, where he was also named the league's Sixth Man of the Year.
ESPN college basketball broadcaster Bill Walton poses for a photo during a college basketball game between the Syracuse Orange and the Gonzaga Bulldogs on day two of the Allstate Maui Invitational at SimpliFi Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center on Nov. 21, 2023 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Walton finished his career averaging 13.3 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game in 468 games. He was also named to the NBA's 50th and 75th Anniversary teams.
After his Hall of Fame career, “Big Red” entered broadcasting and his charismatic personality seen on and off the court filled the homes of many during games where he wore the headphones.
Walton's colorful commentary was exceptional, as he always kept viewers (and his fellow players) on their toes with crazy stories from his playing days, while also providing excellent analysis and knowledge of the game.
He initially joined CBS in 1990, and then called games for NBC and the Clippers until 2002, when he joined ESPN.
Walton spent from 2002 to 2009 broadcasting games for ESPN before leaving, citing back problems dating back to an injury he suffered in college. He underwent back surgery and would return to the court to call Sacramento Kings games part-time for two seasons.
ESPN welcomed Walton in July 2012, when they announced along with the Pac-12 Network that he would be a full-time analyst for their college basketball coverage.
Walton was also a big Grateful Dead fan and had his own satellite radio show called “One More Saturday Night” on Sirius Radio's Jam On and XM Radio's Grateful Dead channels.
Bill Walton as part of State Farm All-Star Saturday Night on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. (David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Walton was also a father who passed the game on to his sons, including Luke Walton, who won back-to-back NBA Finals with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009 and 2010 during his playing days. Luke currently serves as an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers after previously serving as head coach of the Lakers (2016-19) and Kings (2019-22).
Chris Walton (San Diego State), Nate Walton (Princeton) and Adam Walton (LSU, Pomona College, College of Notre Dame) also played college basketball.
Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage in Xand subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
