NBA Legend Bill Walton Dies at 71: ‘Truly One of a Kind’
Bill Walton, a former National Basketball Association MVP and Hall of Famer who built a second career as an equally legendary broadcaster, died Monday at 71.
The cause of death was cancer, the NBA said in a statement on Monday afternoon, adding that Walton was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing.
“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in the statement. “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.”