From his outlandish rants to his trademark “Meeting of Champions” quote, his eccentric outfits and his four championships across college and the pros, Bill Walton left an indelible mark on the sports world.
The NBA announced that Walton, a Hall of Famer who won two championships with the Trail Blazers, died Monday at age 71 after a long battle with cancer.
Shortly after the league released its statement, many took to social media to pay tribute to one of the most unique figures in sports, who became a staple of ESPN’s Pac-12 broadcasts.
“I’m hurt,” “It’s a big deal,” his ESPN colleague Jay Bilas said on SportsCenter.“He was a genuine, beautiful person who always asked about you. He talked endlessly and captivated everyone around the table with his life experiences, but that wasn’t his true nature. He asked about you and was genuinely interested. He has one of the most generous hearts I’ve ever met.”
“He was incredibly smart and knowledgeable. I think later in his career, a lot of people were fascinated by his showmanship. He may have been the greatest college basketball player of all time. … He was just a really amazing, beautiful person who was always fun to be around.”
The positive comments pouring in about Walton on Monday illustrated his accomplishments in many areas, including college, the NBA, the media industry and humanitarian work.
Walton first rose to prominence after winning consecutive championships at UCLA from 1972-1973 and being selected first overall by the Trail Blazers in the 1974 draft.
The center won two NBA titles in his career, with Portland in 1977 and Boston in 1986, averaging 13.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.
Walton was the MVP in the 1977-78 season and was selected to the All-Star team twice, despite being plagued by injuries throughout his career.
“I heard the tragic news of Bill Walton’s passing. My heart breaks for Lori, the Walton boys and Bill’s many friends.” Posted by ESPN colleague Fran Fraschilla“One of the greatest college players of all time, a great humanitarian and lover of life. You will be missed Bill. @UCLAMBB @espn @NBA.”
Julius Erving, whose 76ers lost to the Trail Blazers in the 1977 NBA Finals, called it “fortunate” to have played against him.
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of my comrade and one of the sport’s most beloved champions and figures.” Irving tweeted.“Bill Walton enjoyed life in every way. Competing and working with him was a blessing in my life. My condolences to the Walton family. We will miss him so much. Doc.”
After his playing career, Walton became ESPN’s best-known announcer.
He became a regular on Pac-12 broadcasts along with Dave Pash, telling stories you couldn’t hear anywhere else after midnight on the East Coast.
Perhaps no one in the sports world can convince audiences like Walton that a 5-23 Oregon State team from the Conference of Champions can make a big run in the NCAA Tournament.
His eccentricities have earned him a cult following and beloved status in the sports world.
“Absolutely shocked to hear of the passing of the legendary Bill Walton. His intellect, sense of humor and passion for life was even bigger than the man himself.” My ESPN colleague Mike Greenberg Tweet on MondayHe was also one of the greatest big men of all time, playing decades ahead of his time when healthy, and would have been perfect for today’s NBA. I send my love and condolences to his family, and I will forever cherish the memories of the many conversations I had with him.”
Pablo Torre of Meadowlark shared a heartwarming message alongside a funny video of the two in their teepee.
“Bill Walton laughed at himself, cared deeply about those ignored by history, and was one of the greatest athletes to ever walk the planet.” Posted by Torre“The planet he worshipped and transcended. Rest in peace 💔.”
76ers VP of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey A look back at Walton’s humanitarian efforts A post paying tribute to a fallen great.
“May Bill Walton rest in peace. My favorite example of his endless dedication to helping others was when he helped the Lithuanian national basketball team play against the original Dream Team after they seceded from the Soviet Union in 1992,” Morey posted on Monday.
