### NBA Legend Bill Walton Passes Away from Cancer at 71
NBA legend Bill Walton passed away at the age of 71 due to cancer, his family announced on Monday. Commissioner Adam Silver honored the two-time champion as "truly unique."
Walton died surrounded by his family, as stated in a release from the NBA. "Bill Walton was truly one of a kind," said Silver. "As a cherished member of the NBA family for 50 years, Bill will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him."
After securing two college titles with the legendary UCLA Bruins under Coach John Wooden, the big man was drafted first overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1974. He played a total of ten years in the NBA (486 games), averaging 13.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game despite being plagued by chronic foot injuries. Walton won an NBA title with the Blazers in 1977 and another as Sixth Man with the Boston Celtics in 1986. He also won the MVP award for the 1977/78 season.
"I will miss his zest for life most of all," Silver said of Walton, who went on to become a highly popular TV commentator and analyst after his playing career. "He was always in a good mood and beamed from ear to ear."
Former US President Barack Obama also paid tribute to Walton. "Bill Walton was one of the greatest basketball players of all time – a champion at every level and the embodiment of selfless team play. He was also a wonderful spirit full of curiosity, humor, and kindness," the 62-year-old wrote in a social media post.
Bill Walton was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993.
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