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Tributes are pouring in for NBA hall of famer and legendary commentator, Bill Walton, after he died at 71 following a cancer battle.
SportsCenter's Stephen A Smith penned an emotional tribute to the late athlete, after news of his passing was revealed Monday.
'Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of my buddy, Bill Walton. His game was ahead of its time, truly one of the greatest big men who ever played,' the TV personality wrote on X.
'Yet, nothing compared to his passion and love of life, itself. I can hear him now imploring me to “smile……cherish everyday…..we’re all the luckiest ppl on earth.” R.I.P. my guy. Miss you already.'
Fellow NBA legend, Julius Erving, also shared a snap of himself with Walton.
NBA hall of famer and legendary commentator, Bill Walton, sadly lost his battle with cancer
'R.I.P. my guy. Miss you already,' Stephen A Smith captioned a post on X Monday
'I am sad today hearing that my comrade & one of the sports worlds most beloved champions & characters has passed,' he wrote on X.
'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.'
Walton was a two-time NBA champion, winning one title with the Portland Trail Blazers and another with the Boston Celtics.
He also had strong ties to the Southern California region, having won three consecutive national college player of the year awards between 1972 and 1974 and two NCAA titles with the UCLA Bruins.
'To compete against him & to work with him was a blessing in my life,' Julius Erving wrote
Walton was a college basketball star, winning two NCAA titles with the UCLA Bruins
After his playing career, he moved into the commentary box and won a Sports Emmy in 1991
He later played for the Los Angeles Clippers, who shared a tribute to the star center.
'We have lost one of the greatest players and personalities that this franchise, this sport and this region have ever known,' the statement began.
'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.'
Walton, who was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1993, was larger than life, both on the court and off.
After retiring, he overcame a stutter to thrive on the microphone, winning a Sports Emmy in 1991 and being named one of the top 50 sports broadcasters of all-time in 2009.
He is survived by his wife Lori and sons Adam, Nate, Luke and Chris.
English (US)