On Monday afternoon, legendary basketball player and commentator Bill Walton died at age 71 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Walton played several roles throughout a long career in the world of sports. He first rose to prominence as a key player in John Wooden's UCLA Bruins dynasty, winning two national championships. Walton helped the Bruins compile 88 consecutive wins (a men's college basketball record) in his sophomore, junior and senior seasons at Westwood.
Selected with the first pick in the 1974 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, Walton's success would carry over into the professional ranks. He would win a pair of titles (with the Trail Blazers in 1977 and the Boston Celtics in 1986) as part of a potential Hall of Fame career. Walton was the league's Most Valuable Player in 1977-78 and the Sixth Man of the Year in 1985-86.
Following his retirement, Walton would transition into the broadcast booth, calling NBA games as a lead analyst for ESPN and ABC. He transitioned to college basketball in 2012. As a broadcaster, he quickly rose to prominence for his light-hearted storytelling and his passionate defense of the “conference of champions”: the Pac-12.
The sports world paid tribute to Walton on social media.
Current and former athletes
Rest in peace to a friend, two-time NBA champion, Hall of Famer and one of the most skilled centers we've ever seen, Bill Walton! His NCAA Championship performance as a UCLA Bruin against Memphis is by far the most dominant NCAA Championship performance ever: he shot 21 of 22 and had…
—Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 27, 2024
Today I am saddened to know that my comrade and one of the most beloved champions and characters in the world of sports has passed away. Bill Walton enjoyed life in every way. Competing against him and working with him was a blessing in my life. Sorry for your loss, Walton family. We will miss him too. Doc pic.twitter.com/GAEt1DRH8N
– Julio Dr. J. Erving (@JuliusErving) May 27, 2024
Legend! RIP 🙏 https://t.co/Y9v6a488eT
—Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) May 27, 2024
RIP Bill Walton💔
No one loved basketball or living life to the fullest more than Bill. The sport has not only lost a giant; the whole world has done it too. pic.twitter.com/VgQCzjd5hs— Alex Rodríguez (@AROD) May 27, 2024
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 prayers Walton Family. Lots of energy and always positive. Rest in paradise Bill Walton
—Patrick Beverly (@patbev21) May 27, 2024
We will miss Bill…
Highlights his best moments.
He would have played totally well in any era.
The technology of the sneakers prevented him from showing everything. But his best streak was among his best. pic.twitter.com/1K19gZwcgc— Metta World Peace (@MettaWorld37) May 27, 2024
RIP Bill Walton. Too soon! We did many events together over the last 20 years and he was always positive and fun to be with. My heart goes out to Lori and her entire family. 🙏🏼
-Detlef Schrempf (@Dschrempf) May 27, 2024
Bill Walton…😥😰😢😔🏀…I loved that guy…
-Mychal Thompson (@champagnennuts) May 27, 2024
pac-12 schools
A true Bruin legend who will always be missed. We send our condolences to the Walton family. 💙🕊️💛 https://t.co/O8lhNmKOwL
– UCLA Athletics (@UCLAAthletics) May 27, 2024
Fight forever… pic.twitter.com/QRwiwabRm4
— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) May 27, 2024
RIP to a true legend and unique personality, Bill Walton.
We know Bill's legacy will continue to shine! pic.twitter.com/CQsROEET1D
— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) May 27, 2024
A singular icon of the game and Cal ambassador, the @pac12 And all the basketball. Our hearts go out to Bill Walton's family and friends. pic.twitter.com/yTS49xRVjQ
– Cal Basketball (@CalMBBall) May 27, 2024
The Beaver family mourns the loss of the legendary Bill Walton. Truly one of a kind from him, Bill will be greatly missed. 🧡🖤 pic.twitter.com/7tsZI8yXs2
– Oregon State Hoops (@BeaverMBB) May 27, 2024
Thank you for your passion, wisdom, humor and love that you showed to the game and everything around you. We will miss you forever, Bill. ❤️
Our hearts go out to the Walton family. pic.twitter.com/c2hYYakupw
– Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) May 27, 2024
No, Bill. Thank you for your life. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3LCRvs4XlJ
— Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) May 27, 2024
Former NBA teams
Rip City icon and basketball legend.
Rest in peace, Bill 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/czZ4IiX6m2
– Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) May 27, 2024
We have lost one of the best players and personalities this franchise, this sport and this region have ever known. Bill Walton is synonymous with Southern California basketball: a San Diego native, a UCLA phenom, a Clippers icon.
He defined the game as a player, a… pic.twitter.com/KAXvnG8Mkk
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) May 27, 2024
Bill Walton was one of the most important players of his time. Walton, a Hall of Famer, MVP and two-time NBA champion, could do it all, had great timing, full court vision, excellent fundamentals and was one of the great passers… pic.twitter.com/AW1PIUxALk
– Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 27, 2024
