Former champion Bill Walton just passed away after fighting cancer for so long. This led Stephen Curry, Magic Johnson, and other NBA stars to come together and pay tribute to the late legend and the impact he left on the league.
The former UCLA star first made waves in the league after the Portland Trail Blazers selected him using the number one pick in the 1974 Draft. Even though his time in Rip City was marred by injuries, he was still able to lead the franchise to a championship.
From there, Walton played for both the San Diego and Los Angeles Clippers, and with the Boston Celtics during the final phase of his career. Furthermore, the former Portland big man won his second ring and a Sixth Man of the Year award while playing for Beantown during the 1985-86 season.
After he retired, the two-time champion provided commentary and analysis for ABC, and ESPN, among others. His final stint was as a commentator for PAC-12 Games in the NCAA.
Stephen Curry, Magic Johnson Join Other NBA Players In Paying Tribute to the Late Bill Walton
Walton’s passing has caused various personalities on and off the court to pay their respects to the late legend, such as former United States president Barack Obama and sports analyst Charles Barkley. Among those who expressed their grief online are Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry and Lakers legend Magic Johnson, among others.
“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,” Daryl Morey tweeted.
“Rest Easy to the LEGEND BILL WALTON,” Dwight Howard posted.
“Rest in peace to a friend, 2X NBA Champion, Hall of Famer, and one of the most skilled centers we’ve ever seen Bill Walton! His NCAA Championship performance as a UCLA Bruin against Memphis is by far the most dominate NCAA Championship performance ever – he shot 21 for 22 and had us all mesmerized! That’s when I first fell in love with his basketball game.
They talk about Jokic being the most skilled center but Bill Walton was first! From shooting jump shots to making incredible passes, he was one of the smartest basketball players to ever live. Bill was a great ambassador for college basketball and the NBA, and he will be sorely missed. Cookie and I send our condolences and prayers to his wife Lori, kids Luke, Nathan, Chris, and Adam, and all of his loved ones,” Johnson reacted.
“We will miss Bill.. Pull up his prime highlights. Would’ve totally played well in any era. Sneaker technology kept him from showing everything. But his prime run was up there with best,” Metta World Peace shared.
“I am sad today hearing that my comrade & one of the sports worlds most beloved champions & characters has passed. 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,” Julius Erving said.
Over the decades, the former Trail Blazers and Celtics stars has become a prominent personality covering NBA games. At the same time, his work on NCAA matches have become a lot better with him behind the mac providing analysis.
Without a doubt, Walton will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and peers. With his work on and off the court cementing the legacy he left behind, the All-Star center will definitely not be forgotten.
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