Cancer claims NBA great Walton at 71

Bill Walton, a two-time NBA champion and member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, passed away on Monday at the age of 71, after a battle with cancer.

“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," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a league statement. "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 and love him."

The reaction to the news spread across social media.

“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,” Rachel Nichols posted on social media. “The whole thing was absolutely delightful. What a force; he will be so missed.”

Rece Davis shared the following:

“Saddened to hear of Bill Walton’s passing. He was a wonderful soul. He had a speaking engagement near the town where I grew up a couple of years ago. We talked for an hour or so because he wanted to know things about the area. Shortly after we hung up, he called back and asked for the address of the house I grew up in.

“Couldn’t imagine why he wanted it but a couple of weeks later he sent me a photo of him standing in front of the house with a jar of dirt from the yard. Said he was going to mix it with the dirt at his house in San Diego. I’ve rarely been more flattered. RIP Big Fella. Prayers for his family and the people who loved him. There were a lot of us. We were the luckiest guys in the world.”