‘One of a kind’ NBA champion and broadcaster Bill Walton dies at 71

Walton became a popular broadcaster after playing career

Hall of fame basketball star and two-time NBA champion Bill Walton has died of cancer at the age of 71, the NBA announced on Monday. Pic: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Hall of fame basketball star and two-time NBA champion Bill Walton has died of cancer at the age of 71, the NBA announced on Monday.

“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “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 and Finals MVP, two NBA championships and a spot on the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams.” Walton had an impressive college career with UCLA, where he won two national titles, before he was selected No 1 overall by Portland in the 1974 NBA draft. He went on to win a championship with the Trail Blazers in 1977 and was the league MVP in 1978. But his career was hampered by foot injuries and, although he won another title with the Boston Celtics in 1986, he often struggled to stay fully fit. Despite those setbacks, he is considered one of the greatest centers in NBA history.