NBA legend and Hall of Fame player Bill Walton dies at 71 after prolonged battle with cancer

Two-time NBA champion, member of the Basketball Hall of Fame and beloved commentator Bill Waltonpassed away on Monday (May 27) at the age of 71 after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer.

"Bill Walton was truly one of a kind. As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the centre position," National Basketball Association (NBA) Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement after Walton's passing.

While recalling Walton's career, Silver said he "translated his infectious enthusiasm and love for the game to broadcasting, where he delivered insightful and colourful commentary which entertained generations of basketball fans... But 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."

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6-foot-11 Walton first gained prominence at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Under the tutelage of Coach John Wooden, he won back-to-back National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championships in 1972 and 1973.

His professional career saw him rise to stardom with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he spearheaded the team to a championship in the 1976-77 season. He also went on to gain the Most Valuable Player award the year after.

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However, Walton's career was marred by injuries.

His fragile footbones caused him to miss three out of four seasons while with the San Diego Clippers. However, he made a triumphant return as a bench player for the Boston Celtics. It was then that he helped Boston Celtics secure the NBA championship in 1985-86.

Walton's impact extended beyond his playing days.

He transitioned into broadcastingwhere his philosophical commentary became his trademark. He was often seen seamlessly weaving in musings.

Walton's love for the Grateful Dead also became part of his persona and he was frequently seen in tie-dye shirts and referencing the band during his broadcasts.

'Best of us'

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a former rival expressed his sorrow and reflected on Walton's character saying, "On the court, Bill was a fierce player, but off the court he wasn’t happy unless he did everything he could to make everyone around him happy. He was the best of us."

Bill Walton is survived by his wife Lori and four sons and they were by his side during his final moments.

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His brother Bruce, who passed away in 2019, also left a legacy in sports. Bruce and Bill made the first siblings to play in both NFL and NBA championship games.

Bill Walton was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993, cementing his place in basketball history.

(With inputs from agencies)