Bill Walton, Legendary Basketball Star, Passes Away
Hall of Fame Center, Known for His Outsized Personality and Impact on the Game of Basketball, Dies at 71
William Theodore Walton III, better known as Bill Walton, was an American professional basketball player and television sportscaster who passed away on May 27, 2024, at the age of 71. The cause of his death has not yet been released.
Walton was born on November 5, 1952, in La Mesa, California. He attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he was a star player for the Bruins. Under legendary coach John Wooden, Walton led the Bruins to two national championships in 1972 and 1973. He was named the Most Outstanding Player in both championship games.
Walton was selected as the first overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. He helped the Blazers reach the NBA Finals in his rookie season but lost to the Philadelphia 76ers. Walton averaged 18.6 points and 14.4 rebounds in his rookie season and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team.
After the 1977-78 season, Walton was traded to the Boston Celtics. He helped the Celtics win two NBA championships, the first in 1981 and the second in 1986. During his time with the Celtics, he developed a close friendship with Larry Bird, another all-time great player.
Walton's professional basketball career was plagued by injuries, particularly to his feet. He missed entire seasons due to these injuries and was forced to retire in 1990 at the age of 37. Despite his injury problems, Walton is widely regarded as one of the greatest centers in NBA history. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.
After his retirement from playing, Walton became a successful television sportscaster. He worked as an NBA analyst for NBC, ESPN, and TNT. He was known for his insightful commentary and his unique personality.
Walton is survived by his wife, Lori, and four children.
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