Two-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer, and sports broadcaster extraordinaire Bill Walton died on Memorial Day following complications from cancer.
Among the most iconic sports personalities of his era, Walton was voted to the 50th and 75th NBA’s anniversary teams, won the league’s MVP Award and the championship with the Portland Trail Blazers in 1977 and again with the Boston Celtics in 1986, all despite an injury-plagued career. He also played with the San Diego Clippers.
The 6-11 redhead was just as prolific throughout his college career at UCLA, where he won three consecutive Player of the Year Awards and two national titles under the tutelage of legendary coach John Wooden. He was selected No. 1 in the NBA Draft in 1974 by Portland.
Walton was equally as dynamic in the broadcast booth, with stints at CBS, NBC and ABC/ESPN (also PAC 12 Sports Network, owned by ESPN), often overshadowing the play-by-play announcers with his antics. Here’s more from ESPN, with reaction on Walton’s death from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and some of his sports and media colleagues.
NBA Legend Bill Walton Dies
Two-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer, and sports broadcaster extraordinaire Bill Walton died on Memorial Day following complications from cancer.
Among the most iconic sports personalities of his era, Walton was voted to the 50th and 75th NBA’s anniversary teams, won the league’s MVP Award and the championship with the Portland Trail Blazers in 1977 and again with the Boston Celtics in 1986, all despite an injury-plagued career. He also played with the San Diego Clippers.
The 6-11 redhead was just as prolific throughout his college career at UCLA, where he won three consecutive Player of the Year Awards and two national titles under the tutelage of legendary coach John Wooden. He was selected No. 1 in the NBA Draft in 1974 by Portland.
Walton was equally as dynamic in the broadcast booth, with stints at CBS, NBC and ABC/ESPN (also PAC 12 Sports Network, owned by ESPN), often overshadowing the play-by-play announcers with his antics. Here’s more from ESPN, with reaction on Walton’s death from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and some of his sports and media colleagues.