From his eccentric rants to his trademark “Conference of Champions” quote, not to mention the zany attires and his four championships spanning college and the pros, Bill Walton left an indelible mark on the sports world.
A Hall of Fame player who won two titles with the Trail Blazers, Walton died Monday at the age of 71 after a prolonged battle with cancer, the NBA announced.
Shortly after the league released its statement, many flocked to social media to honor one of the sport’s most unique personalities, who became a staple of ESPN’s Pac-12 broadcasts.
“I’m heartbroken,” ESPN colleague Jay Bilas said on SportsCenter. “Just a genuine, beautiful person that always asked about you and as much as he could talk endlessly and captivate everyone around the table with experience from his life, that’s not what he was about. He was about asking you about yours and he was genuinely interested. One of the most generous souls I’ve ever been around.
“Incredibly intelligent, well-read. I think a lot of people later in his career were captivated by his showmanship … He may have been the greatest college basketball player of all-time. … He was an absolutely magnificent, beautiful person that you loved to be around at all times.”
The influx of positive statements about Walton on Monday showed his legacy spanned many spheres, including college, the NBA, the media industry and humanitarian efforts.
Walton first established himself as a household name by winning back-to-back championships with UCLA from 1972-73 before being selected by the Trail Blazers as the No. 1 pick in the 1974 draft.
The center won two NBA titles in his career — in 1977 with Portland and in 1986 with Boston — while averaging 13.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.
Despite battling injuries that limited him throughout his career, Walton earned MVP honors for the 1977-78 season and made two All-Star teams.
“Have just heard the devastating news of Bill Walton’s passing. Broken-hearted for Lori, the Walton boys & Bill’s many friends,” ESPN colleague Fran Fraschilla posted. “One of the greatest college players ever, a great humanitarian & a lover of life. I will miss you, Bill. @UCLAMBB @espn @NBA.”
Julius Erving, whose 76ers lost to the Trail Blazers in the 1977 NBA Finals, called it a “blessing” to have competed against him.
“I am sad today hearing that my comrade & one of the sports worlds most beloved champions & characters has passed,” Erving tweeted. “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.”
Following his playing career, Walton became an iconic broadcaster, most notably for ESPN.
He became a staple of Pac-12 broadcasts alongside Dave Pasch, telling stories after midnight on the East Coast that you would not be hearing anywhere else.
Perhaps nobody in sports could convince a listener that a 5-23 Oregon State team from the “Conference of Champions” could do damage in the NCAA Tournament like Walton could.
His zaniness earned him a cult following and beloved status in the sport.
“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,” ESPN colleague Mike Greenberg tweeted Monday. 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 – he’d have been perfect in today’s NBA. Sending love and condolences to his family, I will cherish the memories of our many conversations for the rest of my life.”
Pablo Torre of Meadowlark shared a sweet message above a funny clip from the two involving teepees.
“Bill Walton laughed at himself; cared deeply about people history ignored; and was one of the greatest athletes to ever walk the Earth,” Torre posted. “A planet he both adored and transcended. RIP 💔.”
76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey reflected on Walton’s humanitarian efforts in a post honoring the late big man.
“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,” Morey posted Monday.
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