Legendary basketball figure Bill Walton passed away at the age of 71 on Monday. Walton had an incredible collegiate and professional tenure, with the UCLA basketball team and the Portland Trail Blazers being two of his major stops. Moreover, fellow NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar penned a heartfelt goodbye message to Walton after news of his passing broke.
Abdul-Jabbar took to social media to express his thoughts on Walton's passing.
“My very close friend, fellow Bruin, and NBA rival Bill Walton died today. And the world feels so much heavier now. 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,” Abdul-Jabbar posted on X.
As mentioned, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Walton shared UCLA basketball roots. Abdul-Jabbar played for the Bruins from 1966 to 1969, while Walton played from 1971 to 1974. They were two of the biggest collegiate stars during their era.
Walton was a two-time NCAA champion, earned three All-Pac-12 honors, won three Naismith Awards, and was a two-time AP Player of the Year. He averaged 20.3 points and 15.7 rebounds per game during his three years with the UCLA basketball program.
His collegiate tenure transferred over well to the NBA, where he started his career with the Trail Blazers. Walton helped the Blazers win the 1977 NBA Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers, where he was named the series MVP. One season later, Walton won his first regular-season MVP award. The near 7-footer spent a total of five seasons in Portland before joining the then-San Diego Clippers and later, the Boston Celtics.
With the Celtics, Walton won his second NBA championship and also earned a Sixth Man of the Year Award. He retired in 1988 after 14 seasons.
Bill Walton leaves behind an impactful legacy
In addition to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged Bill Walton's legacy with a tribute statement.
“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind,” Silver said, via NBA Communications. “As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the center position. His unique all-around skills made him a dominant force at UCLA and led to an NBA regular season MVP and Finals MVP, two NBA championships and a spot on the NBA's 50th and 75th Anniversary teams.”
Silver touched on Walton's impact beyond his play on the court as well.
“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 said. “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. I treasured our close friendship, envied his boundless energy and admired the time he took with every person he encountered.”
Bill Walton's legacy will be cherished amongst the sports community. His impact on countless people helped make the way for the next generation to come and embark on their own journeys on and off the court.
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