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Basketball legend and former NBA Sixth Man of the Year with the Boston Celtics, Bill Walton has passed away at the age of 71 after enduring a “prolonged battle with cancer,” according to NBA Communications.
Larry Bird, Walton's teammate from the Celtics' 1986 championship team, remembered him on Tuesday – per Tim Bontemps of ESPN.
“I am very sorry about my good friend, Bill Walton. I love him as a friend and a teammate. It was a thrill for me to play with my childhood idol and together we earned the NBA Championship in 1986. He is one of the greatest to ever play the game. I am sure that all my teammates are as grateful as I am that we were able to know Bill, he was such a joy to know and he will be sorely missed. My family and I extend our sincere condolences to the Walton family.”
Chronic foot injuries prevented Walton from maximizing his true potential, and he nearly missed the entirety of four straight seasons from 1978-82. Against the odds, the talented center figured out how to stay relevant in the league and even collected more accolades. He earned Sixth Man of the Year honors for his contributions during the 1985-86 title run and helped the Celtics temporarily reclaim their spot atop the mountain.
Bill Walton decided to retire just a couple years later, finally acquiescing to his body at the age of 34.
Walton also led the Trail Blazers to their only Championship
In Portland, Walton was a two-time All-Star and led the Blazers to the NBA Finals during the historic championship run in 1977. During his career, Walton earned the NBA Most Valuable Player award in 1978, was selected All-NBA First Team that same year and All-NBA Second Team in 1977.
He was also named to the All-Defensive Team in back-to-back seasons in 1977-78 and was award the NBA Finals MVP in 1977 with the Blazers.
The team released a statement on Walton's passing.
“Bill Walton was a true legend – and extraordinary player, talented broadcaster, and vital part of the Blazers organization. His mastery of the game not only established him as one of the greatest centers in history, but also led the Blazers to a championship in 1977, where he earned NBA Finals Most Valuable Player. But Bill was so much more than basketball, he was larger than life. His upbeat and vibrant personality will forever be remembered and cherished, and he will be deeply missed by our organization, Rip City and all who experienced him. Our love and condolences go to Bill's wife Lori and his sons Adam, Nate, Luke, and Chris.”
Blazers chair Jody Allen added, “Bill Walton was an icon,” said Jody Allen, chair of the Blazers. “His leadership and tenacity on the court were key to bringing a championship to our fans and defined one of the most magical moments in franchise history. We will always treasure what he brought to our community and the sport of basketball.”
Inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993 after his career peaks with the Blazers and Celtics, Walton was also named to the Top-50 and Top-75 Anniversary teams.
His number 32 was retired by the Blazers in 1989.
