Bill Walton stood at 6-foot-11, but his height only begins to describe how larger than life he was. Unfortunately, news broke on Monday that Walton passed away at age 71 after what the NBA called a “prolonged battle with cancer.”
Hall of Fame center Bill Walton has died of cancer, the NBA announced. He was 71. pic.twitter.com/M9s9LDO6LG
— ESPN (@espn) May 27, 2024
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/fdlty5X3F5
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 27, 2024
It’s surreal to make any reference to Walton in the past tense. Even more so because, unless I missed something, I don’t recall Walton publicly disclosing his cancer diagnosis, nor was it reported on anywhere. That makes his death hit even harder — not dissimilar to when comedian Norm Macdonald died in 2021.
Walton was always busy living life to the fullest. He doesn’t strike me as the type of person who would dwell on such devastating news as being diagnosed with cancer. He clearly didn’t, as he continued to build his legacy and inspire millions around the world with his broadcasting talent. In addition to having a tremendous college hoops career as a two-time national champion at UCLA under GOATed coach John Wooden, Walton was the first overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft. He led the Portland Trail Blazers to a title in 1977, only to have his playing prime knocked off course by nagging foot injuries. Nevertheless, Walton found a way to reinvent himself, regain some of his form, and win another championship with the Celtics in 1986 as that season’s Sixth Man of the Year.
Accomplishing all that on the hardwood wasn’t enough for Walton. He stayed around the game and worked for many years as a broadcaster, winning an Emmy Award in 1991. Safe to say he was pretty damn good at it pretty quickly. Walton didn’t mind going against the grain of conventional basketball analysis. His smooth, deliberate delivery and frequent tangential musings captivated those who tuned in no matter what game it was.
There are a lot of people grieving the loss of Walton today. All the best to his loved ones and family. One silver lining, however — in the spirit of how Walton carried himself and had such an enthusiasm for life — is that lots of the fans, media personalities and peers who followed him or worked with him over the years are paying tribute to his memory by celebrating some of his best moments. And of those there were many.
I am sad today hearing that my comrade & one of the sports worlds most beloved champions & characters has passed. 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 pic.twitter.com/GAEt1DRH8N
— Julius Dr J Erving (@JuliusErving) May 27, 2024
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 pic.twitter.com/eZVtBZMOBX
— Daryl Morey 🗽🏀 (@dmorey) May 27, 2024
Absolutely crushed to hear of the passing of the legendary Bill Walton, whose intellect, sense of humor, and zest for life were even bigger than he was.
He was also, when healthy, every bit as good a big man as there ever was, with a game that was decades ahead of his time -… pic.twitter.com/s8h134f4M4
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) May 27, 2024
My favorite Bill Walton experience: when he came to visit us at The Jump, saw a framed photo we had on set of Bill Russell (his favorite player), and simply walked over, grabbed it – and took it home. The whole thing was absolutely delightful. What a force; he will be so missed pic.twitter.com/yCwVQNjQbN
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) May 27, 2024
Bill Walton was definitely one of a kind. Rest in peace pic.twitter.com/LN7eyMYzba
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) May 27, 2024
RIP Bill Walton Legend pic.twitter.com/eZxNYcQ8jS
— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) May 27, 2024
RIP to one of my all time favorites. Bill Walton truly one of a kind. pic.twitter.com/GAO8dP5hEI
— Mark (@lebatardshowfan) May 27, 2024
Damn RIP Bill Walton. All-time Deadhead. Hope he's enjoying an endless "Dark Star" in the sky. pic.twitter.com/unHBZDyBC1
— Steven Hyden (@Steven_Hyden) May 27, 2024
Bill Walton was a must-watch any time he put on the headset.
When he gave color commentary for the White Sox, I was overjoyed. Such a tremendous entertainer with an incredible basketball career. RIP pic.twitter.com/cxMhYQDJW2
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) May 27, 2024
Bill Walton laughed at himself; cared deeply about people history ignored; and was one of the greatest athletes to ever walk the Earth. A planet he both adored and transcended. RIP 💔 pic.twitter.com/9rCWruhGUs
— ‘Miserable’ Pablo Torre 🕳️ (@PabloTorre) May 27, 2024
“I’m the luckiest dude in the world.”
– Bill Walton ☮️❤️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/Z9qSP2rW8b
— Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz (@LeBatardShow) May 27, 2024
There will never be another Bill Walton. His games were appointment television.
I mean this in all sincerity: every sports broadcast ^needs^ at least a *touch *of unhinged chaotic nonsense.
🕊️Rest in power, king. https://t.co/5cRRe5XDED pic.twitter.com/OUTxEWVyyY
— Andrew Streeter (@andrewstreeter_) May 27, 2024
RIP to Bill Walton. My personal favorite clip of him broadcasting (out of ENDLESS to choose from)
Boris Diaw such a classical human being he reminded bill of Mozart 3rd Symphony in E Flat which ushered in the era of romanticism…just like Diaw did for the Suns pic.twitter.com/lW3EaDUYvx
— KFC (@KFCBarstool) May 27, 2024
RIP Bill Walton. One of my absolute favs. He wrote this letter to my son. Will treasure it forever. pic.twitter.com/m8LY3psZnx
— Chris Vernon (@ChrisVernonShow) May 27, 2024
Super Sky Point to Bill Walton, one of the greatest basketball players and most likable human beings of my lifetime. This one guts me because I don’t know if I ever saw anyone who radiated a genuine love and zest for life quite like Big Red. He will always make me smile. #RIP pic.twitter.com/RiLSmFmk8E
— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) May 27, 2024
