A legend on the court and in the booth, Bill Walton's effect on the basketball world won't be forgotten for generations. Tons of prominent figures in the NBA community are sounding off on social media, honoring Walton's memory and legacy.
Fellow hoops legend Magic Johnson marveled over Walton's accomplishments and skill, via his X account.
“Rest in peace to a friend, 2X NBA Champion, Hall of Famer, and one of the most skilled centers we’ve ever seen Bill Walton!” Johnson said. “His NCAA Championship performance as a UCLA Bruin against Memphis is by far the most dominate (dominant) NCAA Championship performance ever – he shot 21 for 22 and had us all mesmerized! That’s when I first fell in love with his basketball game.”
Johnson compared Walton to Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic, while also sending well-wishes to Walton's family.
“They talk about Jokic being the most skilled center but Bill Walton was first!” Johnson continued. “From shooting jump shots to making incredible passes, he was one of the smartest basketball players to ever live. Bill was a great ambassador for college basketball and the NBA, and he will be sorely missed. Cookie and I send our condolences and prayers to his wife Lori, kids Luke, Nathan, Chris, and Adam, and all of his loved ones.”
While Johnson had one of the longer messages, plenty of others shared thoughtful statements as well.
NBA world will truly miss Bill Walton's presence
Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey tweeted a little-known fact about the UCLA alum that shows how caring he was.
“RIP Bill Walton – my favorite example of his endless commitment to helping others is when he stepped in to assist the Lithuanian national basketball team as they broke away from the Soviet Union before facing the original Dream Team in 1992,” Morey said.
Walton's contributions to the '92 Lithuanian squad were documented in the documentary film The Other Dream Team, which covered the team's journey to the bronze medal in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.
Julius Erving, another basketball legend and trailblazer, shared a touching message as well.
“I am sad today hearing that my comrade & one of the sports worlds most beloved champions & characters has passed,” Erving tweeted. “Bill Walton enjoyed life in every way. To compete against him & to work with him was a blessing in my life. Sorry for your loss Walton family. We’ll miss him too. Doc.”
Former NBA champion Metta World Peace honored Walton's on-court skills.
“We will miss Bill..Pull up his prime highlights,” World Peace said. “Would’ve totally played well in any era. Sneaker technology kept him from showing everything. But his prime run was up there with best.”
He has a point about the sneaker technology, as Walton didn't have the luxury of rocking modern footwear. The former Portland Trail Blazer was relegated to wearing Converse for the most part, which doesn't have the same lift as today's basketball shoes.
Many other players, coaches, and executives of all ages continue to share their condolences and well-wishes for Walton's family, as the playing and commentating legend inspired multiple generations both on the court and behind the microphone.
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