Bill Walton, a two-time NBA champion who captivated basketball fans with his dominant play and vibrant broadcasting style, passed away at the age of 71 after a prolonged battle with cancer, the NBA announced on Monday. Walton, who was surrounded by his family at the time of his death, left an indelible mark on the sport both as a player and as a commentator.

“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the center position.”

A Stellar Career and Championship Glory

Walton’s illustrious career saw him leading the Portland Trail Blazers to an NBA championship in 1977, followed by a second title with the Boston Celtics in 1986. His 13-year tenure in professional basketball was marked by his exceptional skills on the hardwood and his infectious enthusiasm for the game.

Born on November 5, 1952, in La Mesa, California, Walton was a high school basketball sensation before playing for coach John Wooden and the UCLA Bruins. There, he won three consecutive National College Player of the Year awards from 1972 to 1974 and helped the Bruins secure NCAA championships in 1972 and 1973.

Off-Court Activism and Unique Persona

Off the court, Walton was known for his outspoken views and unique persona. He was an ardent opponent of the Vietnam War and the Nixon administration, and he did not shy away from expressing his views, even getting arrested during a war protest in his junior year. Walton also stood out with his distinctive red hair, flannel shirts, vegetarian lifestyle, and love for The Grateful Dead.

“Your generation has screwed up the world,” Walton once said. “My generation is trying to straighten it out. Money doesn’t mean anything to me. It can’t buy happiness, and I just want to be happy.”

Battling Injuries and Transition to Broadcasting

Despite his stellar career, Walton’s journey was plagued by foot and leg injuries, resulting in numerous surgeries and missed seasons. He retired at 34, having played just 10 games in the 1986-87 season. Reflecting on his career, Walton expressed regret for playing through pain, stating in his autobiography, “I didn’t let pain be my guide. I didn’t say, ‘If it hurt a lot, don’t play.'”

Walton’s post-playing career saw him overcoming a speech impediment to become a renowned basketball commentator. He brought his unique style and colorful commentary to broadcasts for NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox, ESPN, and Turner Sports. In 2001, he received an Emmy for best live sports television broadcast.

Memorable Commentary and Lasting Legacy

Known for his outlandish quips and enthusiastic praise, Walton’s commentary often entertained and puzzled fans. Among his memorable lines were, “Come on, that was no foul. It may be a violation of all the basic rules of human decency, but it’s not a foul,” and his comparison of a player to a mosquito: “If you ever think you’re too small to make a difference, you’ve never spent a night in bed with a mosquito.”

Walton’s legacy extends beyond the court and the commentary booth. He is survived by his second wife, Lori, and his sons from his first marriage: Adam, Luke, Nate, and Chris.

A Hall of Fame Career Remembered

Bill Walton’s impact on basketball and his unique contributions to sports commentary will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike. As NBA Commissioner Adam Silver aptly put it, “He redefined the center position” and brought a contagious enthusiasm to everything he did, leaving a lasting impression on the sport and its followers.