NBA legend Invoice Walton has died of most cancers. He was 71.
The NBA introduced the Corridor of Famer’s passing on Monday. The participant after which longtime broadcaster confronted a “prolonged battle with cancer,” the NBA stated.
“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated in an announcement. “As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the center position.”
Walton had a dominant school profession at UCLA, and he was a power within the execs — profitable the NBA’s MVP award within the 1977-78 season. He was a two-time NBA champion, together with with the Boston Celtics in 1986.
Walton has a spot on the NBA’s fiftieth and seventy fifth anniversary groups.
“Bill then translated his infectious enthusiasm and love for the game to broadcasting, where he delivered insightful and colorful commentary which entertained generations of basketball fans,” Silver stated.
“But what I will remember most about him was his zest for life,” the commissioner added. “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.”
Walton was a giant “Deadhead,” and as a broadcaster he could be seen carrying Grateful Useless shirts on-air.
He’s additionally remembered for his love of the Pac-12 Convention.
Walton died whereas surrounded by his household. He leaves behind his spouse Lori and his sons Adam, Nate, Chris and Luke.
“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 stated.
GREAT SHOW: Former teammates Kevin McHale, Invoice Walton and Danny Ainge participate in final night time’s ceremony honoring the Celtics’ 1986, 1976 and 1966 championship groups.
BOSTON, MA – June 10: NBC sports activities Mike Gorman chats with ex Celtic Invoice Walton (L) because the Celtics tackle the Warriors in recreation 4 of the NBA Championships on the Boston Backyard on June 10, 2022 in , BOSTON, MA. (Workers Photograph By Stuart Cahill/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)
BIG KIDS: Kevin McHale, left, and Invoice Walton apply through the 1985-86 Celtics’ championship season.
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 13: Members of the Boston Celtics 1986 championship group Kevin McHale, Invoice Walton and Danny Ainge are honored at halftime of the sport between the Boston Celtics and Miami Warmth at TD Backyard on April 13, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: Consumer expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or utilizing this {photograph}, consumer is consenting to the phrases and circumstances of the Getty Photographs License Settlement. (Photograph by Mike Lawrie/Getty Photographs)
Former Celtics M.L. Carr and Invoice Walton chat on the ’Teaming Up For Children’ occasion final night time.
BIG CHEER: Invoice Walton cheers through the Celtics’ massive second-half comeback final night time.
BANNER EVENING: Celtics greats, from left, Charlie Scott, Invoice Walton, Danny Ainge and Jo Jo White share laughs throughout a celebration of the group’s championships on the Liberty Resort Tuesday, April 12, 2016. Workers photograph by Christopher Evans
BIG COMPLIMENT: Invoice Walton loved his transient stays with the Celtics, each on the courtroom and behind the microphone.
