PORTLAND, Ore. — People across the basketball world are sharing their memories of Portland Trail Blazers and NBA legend Bill Walton, who died of cancer at the age of 71.
After leading UCLA to two NCAA championships, Walton has drafted No. 1 overall by the Trail Blazers in 1974. Considered one of the best players in Trail Blazers history, Walton led Portland to its lone NBA title in 1977 and was named Finals MVP. He won a second championship in 1986 with the Boston Celtics, his final full season in the NBA. Walton was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993. He was also beloved for his work as a sportscaster after his playing career and his life-long work as an advocate for social and political issues (and the Pac-12).
Here are some of the reactions from the NBA world:
Adam Silver, NBA commissioner:
"Bill Walton was truly one of a kind. As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the center position. His unique all-around skills made him a dominant force at UCLA and led to an NBA regular-season and Finals MVP, two NBA championships and a spot on the NBA's 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. Bill then translated his infectious enthusiasm and love for the game to broadcasting, where he delivered insightful and colorful commentary which entertained generations of basketball fans. But what I will remember most about him was his zest for life. He was a regular presence at league events -- always upbeat, smiling ear to ear and looking to share his wisdom and warmth. I treasured our close friendship, envied his boundless energy and admired the time he took with every person he encountered. As a cherished member of the NBA family for 50 years, Bill will be deeply missed by all those who came to know him and love him. My heartfelt condolences to Bill's wife, Lori; his sons, Adam, Nate, Luke and Chris; and his many colleagues and friends."
"Bill Walton was a true legend — an extraordinary player, talented broadcaster, and vital part of the Blazers organization. His mastery of the game not only established him as one of the greatest centers in history, but also led the Blazers to a championship in 1977, where he earned NBA Finals Most Valuable Player. But Bill was so much more than basketball, he was larger than life. His upbeat and vibrant personality will forever be remembered and cherished, and he will be deeply missed by our organization, Rip City and all who experienced him. Our love and condolences go to Bill's wife, Lori and his sons, Adam, Nate, Luke and Chris."
Jody Allen, chair, Portland Trail Blazers:
"Bill Walton was an icon. His leadership and tenacity on the court were key to bringing a championship to our fans and defined one of the most magical moments in franchise history. We will always treasure what he brought to our community and the sport of basketball."
Julius Erving, NBA legend and Hall of Famer:
"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"
Magic Johnson, NBA legend and Hall of Famer:
"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."
Larry Bird, NBA legend and Hall of Famer
"I am very sorry about my good friend, Bill Walton. I love him as a friend and teammate. It was a thrill for me to play with my childhood idol and together we earned an NBA Championship in 1986. He is one of the greatest ever to play the game. I am sure that all of my teammates are as grateful as I am that we were able to know Bill, he was such a joy to know and he will be sorely missed. My family and I extend our sincere condolences to the Walton family."
Ron Wyden, Oregon senator:
"Bill Walton brought Rip City our greatest on-the-court thrills by leading the Trail Blazers on a magical run to the title in 1977. And for decades after his playing days, he brought an entire nation his good nature on life and basketball. I will miss my friend Bill dearly."
Barack Obama, former U.S. president:
"Bill Walton was one of the greatest basketball players of all time – a champion at every level and the embodiment of unselfish team play. He was also a wonderful spirit full of curiosity, humor and kindness. We are poorer for his passing, and Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family."
Daryl Morey, Philadelphia 76ers executive:
"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."
"We have lost one of the greatest players and personalities that this franchise, this sport and this region have ever known. Bill Walton is synonymous with Southern California basketball: a San Diego native, a UCLA phenom, a Clipper icon. He defined the game as a player, a broadcaster and an ambassador, spreading joy for generations. Wherever he went, whatever he did, Big Red stood above the crowd. The Clippers organization extends our deepest condolences to the Walton family, as well as our utmost gratitude. Bill was a singular force, and we were privileged to know him."
"Bill Walton was one of the most consequential players of his era. A Hall of Famer, Most Valuable Player, and two-time NBA Champion, Walton could do it all, possessing great timing, complete vision of the floor, excellent fundamentals, and was of one of the greatest passing big men in league history. He derived great joy from basketball and music, and deeply cherished his moments with teammates and friends. As a Celtic, Bill overcame years of debilitating injuries, regained his zest for the game, and helped guide the 1986 Boston Celtics championship with both his play and his spirit. The Boston Celtics celebrate Bill’s wonderful life and legacy, and send their deepest sympathies to the Walton family."
"The Pac-12 is and will forever be the Conference of Champions not because of trophies or medals, but because of the amazing individuals, champions in life, who compete in this league and cement legacies of excellence. There is no better example of this 'Conference of Champions' spirit than Bill Walton. We are heartbroken and devastated to learn of Bill's untimely passing. We offer our sincere condolences and thoughts of love to Bill's family and the entire Pac-12, UCLA Bruins and basketball communities. Bill's list of accomplishments on the court, as massive as they are, are only outweighed by the quality of his character and beauty of his one-of-a-kind loving spirit."
Rachel Nichols, longtime NBA journalist and sportscaster:
"My favorite Bill Walton experience: when he came to visit us at The Jump, saw a framed photo we had on set of Bill Russell (his favorite player), and simply walked over, grabbed it - and took it home. The whole thing was absolutely delightful. What a force; he will be so missed."
Sam Amick, longtime NBA reporter:
"Thoughts and prayers to the Walton family and legions of friends that the legendary Bill Walton made in his 71 years. He was larger than life in every sense, and sharing his positive energy and humor until the end."
Marc Stein, longtime NBA reporter:
"Such incredibly sad news. Bill Walton was one of the most magnetic, engaging, basketball-loving personalities I ever encountered covering this game. He will be so, so, SO missed. Most heartfelt wishes to his son Luke, their whole family and everyone who knew and loved Bill."
Kevin O'Connor, longtime NBA reporter:
"RIP Bill Walton. Legendary player, incredible broadcaster, and authentic human."
Howard Beck, longtime NBA reporter:
"Terribly sad to hear this. Bill was just a joy to be around, one of the most passionate, engaging, fascinating people I've had the honor of knowing. Always generous with his time and insights. Condolences to his family."
John Hollinger, former NBA team executive, current NBA reporter:
"Bill Walton was 1 of 1. Always passionate about the game, always had a warm greeting for everyone he saw in the arena - even people like me that he barely knew. What a sad day for basketball."
Ryan McGee, senior ESPN writer:
"A Bill Walton story. In 2018, I was headed to San Diego to work on a big Walton piece, but news broke about the FBI investigating college hoops programs. I had to pivot to a Syracuse-Duke game to get news reactions from Boeheim and K. I called Bill to apologize. His response? 'Ryan McGee, I would love to tell you that this is the first time that actions of the Federal Bureau of Investigation have altered the best laid plans of one Bill Walton, but that would not be the truth.' The man was truly one of one."
Chris Vernon, NBA podcast host:
"RIP Bill Walton. One of my absolute favs. He wrote this letter to my son. Will treasure it forever."
Mike Barrett, former Trail Blazers broadcaster:
"Had an intense love for life. Happy and peaceful, seemingly always. Always made you feel important and honored. What a gift he was, and what a legacy he leaves."
Casey Holdahl, longtime Trail Blazers team reporter:
"I wrote a dumb story (my specialty) about players wearing shorter shorts, so I figured I'd reach out to Bill not expecting I'd hear back. Bill ended up talking for an hour (his specialty) with complete sincerity about the virtues of short shorts. And that really encapsulates Bill. Never too big or serious to make you feel silly or small. Always made you feel important because of the time he was willing to give you. Willing to be vulnerable in ways most people avoid at all costs."
Danny Marang, Portland radio host, host of Jacked Ramsays podcast:
"I remember in my earliest years not liking Walton on game calls. Then, I grew to love his love and appreciation for the people and the game. 'Throw it down, big man!' become one of my favorite calls. Man, this sucks. RIP to a true 1 of 1. No one will ever do it like he did."
Orlando Sanchez, KGW sports anchor and reporter:
"Heartbreaking to hear the passing of the legendary Bill Walton. One of a kind. Got the opportunity to chat with him a few times over the years. My favorite line of his was, "I'm the luckiest guy in the world." Condolences to his family and loved ones. RIP to a legend."
Jay Allen, former on-air TV and radio host/reporter for the Trail Blazers:
"Devastated to hear the news of Bill Walton's passing. Through my work with KXL and the Blazers, I had the honor of dining in and broadcasting from his San Diego home. One of my cherished memories of Bill was picking him up at PDX before a Fred Meyer remote. We had some extra time so he asked me to take him to Multnomah Falls. As we walked the trail up to the bridge, people stopped us every few moments to thank him, ask for a picture or autograph, or just say hello. He was patient and gracious with each fan. I will never forget the kindness and generosity he showed me over the years. My condolences to his wife, Lori, and his family. #RIPbigredhead"
Ian Karmel, famous comedian and Blazers fan:
"I'm not sure who is the greatest Blazer of all time, but Bill Walton is the most Blazer of all time. ... This is of course very sad, and especially sad for the people who knew him and aren't just fans from afar like me... but imagine being on your death bed looking back at THAT life. He really went out and did it."
Dave McMenamin, ESPN NBA reporter:
"We get caught up in 'greatness' conversations about NBA players ad nauseam - Who’s the GOAT? Is this guy better than that guy? Would that guy's game translate to this era? Take some time to read the tributes pouring in about Bill Walton today. That's true greatness."
Chris Vannini, The Athletic senior writer:
Dave Pasch, ESPN broadcaster:
"There will never be another Bill. Love you & miss you my friend."
ARCHIVE VIDEO: Portland Trail Blazers win 1977 NBA championship (raw video)