Bill Walton seemed to bring joy to everyone he came into contact with, and that was evident in the way his life was celebrated on Monday when the NBA announced his passing.
Walton died on Monday after a long battle with cancer in recent years. He was 71 years old.
The announcement was met with sadness, but also joy, for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, whose joy for life and basketball was so great that a 2023 ESPN documentary about him was titled “The Luckiest Man in the World.”
There were numerous official memorials looking back on his career as one of the greatest college basketball players in UCLA history, and a professional career that, although limited by injuries, included an NBA MVP award and two championships.
Bill Walton has passed away at the age of 71.
Two-time NCAA champion
Two-time NCAA Final Four Most Valuable Player
Three-time National Collegiate Player of the Year
Three-time First Team All-American
1993 Naismith Basketball Hall of FameAn eternal legend of the game. pic.twitter.com/t8Bk16dpdx
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) May 27, 2024
Bill Walton was one of the most influential players of his era. A Hall of Famer, Most Valuable Player and two-time NBA champion, Walton could do it all with his excellent timing, perfect court vision and great fundamentals, making him one of the best passing big men around. pic.twitter.com/AW1PIUxALk
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 27, 2024
“We have lost one of the greatest players and personalities this franchise, this sport and this region has ever known. Bill Walton is synonymous with Southern California basketball. He was a San Diego native, a UCLA phenom and a Clippers icon.
He defined the game as the player, … pic.twitter.com/KAXvnG8Mkk
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) May 27, 2024
Barack Obama, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and others honor Bill Walton
On Monday, many notable figures from within and outside the sports world took time to pay tribute to Walton, including former President Barack Obama.
“Bill Walton was one of the greatest players in the history of basketball, a champion at every level and the epitome of unselfish team play. He was also an incredible spirit, filled with curiosity, humor and kindness. We are all poorer for his loss. Michelle and I offer our deepest condolences.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 27, 2024
I am saddened to hear of the passing of my comrade and one of the most beloved champions and figures in sports, Bill Walton. Bill Walton enjoyed life in every way. It was the blessing of my life to compete and work with him. My condolences to the Walton family. We will miss him. Doc pic.twitter.com/GAEt1DRH8N
— Julius Dr. J. Erving (@JuliusErving) May 27, 2024
May our friend, two-time NBA champion, Hall of Famer, and one of the greatest centers we have ever seen, Bill Walton, rest in peace. His performance in the NCAA Championship against Memphis for the UCLA Bruins was the most dominant performance ever in an NCAA Championship. He shot 21 of 22 from the field and…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 27, 2024
It seemed like everyone who covered basketball had a touching or funny story about a friendly interaction with Walton.
May Bill Walton rest in peace. You had so much to offer. I will never forget the time you walked me from my car to the hotel door after our game together. You left a great legacy.
— Michele Tafoya (@Michele_Tafoya) May 27, 2024
My favorite memory of Bill Walton is when he came to play at The Jump, he saw a framed picture of Bill Russell (his favorite player) on the set, and just walked over and grabbed it and took it home. It was all so much fun. What a great guy. I'm going to miss him so much. pic.twitter.com/yCwVQNjQbN
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) May 27, 2024
Sad news. Bill Walton was one of a kind. He brought joy to everyone he worked with. He loved every minute of it. translation: or Follow I was honored to have the opportunity to interact with him on air, during practice, and in the car on the way to events. May his memory be a blessing to all… pic.twitter.com/Zp5OV6YhmC
— Andy Katz (@TheAndyKatz) May 27, 2024
Joe and I are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Bill Walton. I have never known a more wonderful and generous man. Our thoughts are with Lori and Walton's sons. May Bill rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/GE0hVtvtFQ
— Ralph Lawler (@Ohmeomy) May 27, 2024
The address of the house he grew up in. I had no idea why he wanted it, but a few weeks later he sent me a picture of him standing in front of his house holding a jar of garden soil. He said he was going to mix it with the soil from his home in San Diego. I rarely went there… pic.twitter.com/LrGS83TOta
— Rece Davis (@ReceDavis) May 27, 2024
While Walton's playing career made him an obvious choice for induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, a new generation who may not have seen him play will be introduced to him as one of the most unique announcers of all time. Walton never took himself too seriously, and he was remembered Monday for his quirky one-liners and goofy but sincere antics.
Bill Walton sang happy birthday to Bieber at the Portland Zoo on Phil Knight's birthday and proclaimed, “I love Bieber!” pic.twitter.com/OuLLG3j85j
— CJ Fogler's account may or may not be noteworthy (@cjzero) November 26, 2022
To all of you who praise Bill Walton for Oregon State, he makes the “Beaver noises” in key games leading up to the tournament. pic.twitter.com/zSX1g6XhHo
— NCAA Buzzer Beaters & Game Winners (@NCAABuzzerBters) March 27, 2021
