NBA Hall of Famer and former ESPN broadcaster Bill Walton has passed away at the age of 71, according to Deadline.
Walton passed away today, May 27th at the age of 71 following a lengthy battle with cancer. Walton famously played for coach John Wooden and the UCLA Bruins, before becoming the first overall pick in the 1974 NBA draft. He went on to play for the Portland Trail Blazers, Boston Celtics and LA Clippers.
After retiring from the NBA, Walton moved on to a second career as a sportscaster, working both as a studio analyst and color commentator at several networks and teams. He joined ESPN in 2002 after 12 years at NBC as a lead analyst for NBA games, later shifting to college basketball in 2012. He was named one of the top 50 sports broadcasters of all-time by the American Sportscasters Association in 2009. In 2009, the American Sportscasters Association named Walton as one of the top 50 sports broadcasters of all-time.
What They’re Saying:
- ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro: "Bill Walton was a legendary player and a singular personality who genuinely cherished every experience throughout the journey of his extraordinary life. Bill often described himself as 'the luckiest guy in the world,' but anyone who had the opportunity to interact with Bill was the lucky one. He was a truly special, giving person who always made time for others. Bill's one-of-a-kind spirit captivated and inspired audiences during his second career as a successful broadcaster. We at ESPN extend our deepest condolences to Bill's loved ones, including the entire Walton family."