Tributes are pouring in for NBA Hall of Famer and legendary commentator Bill Walton following his death at age 71 following a battle with cancer.
SportsCenter’s Stephen A Smith wrote an emotional tribute to the late athlete after news of his death was revealed on Monday.
“It is incredibly sad to hear of the passing of my friend, Bill Walton. His game was ahead of its time, truly one of the greatest great men to ever play,” the television personality wrote on X.
‘However, nothing compared to his passion and love for life itself. I can hear him now imploring me to “smile… cherish each day… we are all the luckiest people in the world.” RIP my boy. I miss you already.’
Former US President Barack Obama took to social media to pay his respects to Walton, calling him “one of the greatest basketball players of all time.”
Bill Walton, NBA Hall of Famer and legendary commentator, sadly lost his battle with cancer.
‘RIP my boy. Miss you already,’ Stephen A Smith captioned a post on X Monday.
Former US President Barack Obama took to social media to pay his respects to Walton.
“Bill Walton was one of the greatest basketball players of all time: a champion at every level and the embodiment of selfless team play,” Obama wrote.
‘He was also a wonderful spirit full of curiosity, humor and kindness. We are poorer for his death and Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family.”
NBA legend Julius Erving also shared a photo of himself with Walton.
“Today I am saddened to know that my comrade and one of the most beloved champions and characters in the world of sports has passed away,” he wrote in X.
‘Bill Walton enjoyed life in every way. Competing against him and working with him was a blessing in my life. Sorry for your loss, Walton family. We will miss him too. Doc.’
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar also paid tribute to his fellow basketball legend after hearing the news, sharing a photo of the two of them together on social media along with an emotional message.
‘My very close friend, fellow Bruin and NBA rival, Bill Walton, died today. And the world feels a lot heavier now,” the six-time NBA champion said.
‘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.”
“Competing against him and working with him was a blessing in my life,” wrote Julius Erving.
Walton was a college basketball star, winning two NCAA titles with the UCLA Bruins.
Walton was a two-time NBA champion, winning one title with the Portland Trail Blazers and another with the Boston Celtics.
He also had strong ties to the Southern California region, having won three consecutive national college player of the year awards from 1972 to 1974 and two NCAA titles with the UCLA Bruins.
He later played for the Los Angeles Clippers, who shared a tribute to the star center.
“We have lost one of the greatest players and personalities this franchise, this sport and this region have ever known,” the statement began.
‘Bill Walton is synonymous with Southern California basketball: a San Diego native, a UCLA phenom, a Clippers icon. He defined the game as a player, a broadcaster and an ambassador, spreading joy for generations. Wherever he went, whatever he did, Big Red stood above the crowd. The Clippers organization extends our deepest condolences to the Walton family, as well as our utmost gratitude. Bill was a singular force and we were privileged to know him.’
The Celtics also posted a tribute to their former player, sharing a statement about his ability to “do it all.”
“He was one of the great walkers in league history. He loved basketball and music, and deeply appreciated his moments with teammates and friends,” the statement read.
After his playing career, he moved into commentary and won a Sports Emmy in 1991.
“As a Celtic, Bill overcame years of debilitating injuries, regained his enthusiasm for the game and helped guide the 1986 Boston Celtics to the championship with his play and spirit.”
Walton, who was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1993, was larger than life, both on and off the court.
After retiring, he overcame a stutter to thrive in front of the microphone, winning a Sports Emmy in 1991 and being named one of the 50 Greatest Sportscasters of All Time in 2009.
He is survived by his wife Lori and sons Adam, Nate, Luke and Chris.
