NBA hall of famer Bill Walton dies aged 71 after battle with cancer

NBA Hall of Fame center and legendary commentator Bill Walton has died at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer.

Walton, survived by his wife Lori and sons Adam, Nate, Luke and Chris, was a two-time NBA champion, winning one title with the Portland Trail Blazers and another with the Boston Celtics.

He is also one of the greatest college basketball players of all time, winning three consecutive national college player of the year awards between 1972 and 1974 and two NCAA titles with the UCLA Bruins. 

Walton, who was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1993, was larger than life, both on the court and off. 

After retiring, Walton 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.

'Bill Walton was truly one of a kind,' NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said.

'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. 

'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. My heartfelt condolences to Bill's wife, Lori; his sons, Adam, Nate, Luke and Chris; and his many friends and colleagues.'

His NBA career - disrupted by chronic foot injuries - lasted only 468 games with Portland, the San Diego and eventually Los Angeles Clippers and Boston. He averaged 13.3 points and 10.5 rebounds in those games.

His most famous game was the 1973 NCAA title game, UCLA against Memphis, in which he shot an incredible 21 for 22 from the field and led the Bruins to another national championship. 

Walton was selected with the No. 1 pic in the 1974 NBA draft, and won his first NBA Championship with the Trail Blazers three years later.

After struggling with those foot problems, Walton's career took off again when he signed with the Celtics in 1985 for two seasons. Alongside Larry Bird, Walton collected his second NBA Championship in 1986.

He was the NBA's MVP in the 1977-78 season and a member of both the NBA's 50th anniversary and 75th anniversary teams. 

'Bill Walton,' NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said, 'was truly one of a kind.' 

'It´s very hard to put into words what he has meant to UCLA´s program, as well as his tremendous impact on college basketball,' UCLA coach Mick Cronin said Monday. 

'Beyond his remarkable accomplishments as a player, it´s his relentless energy, enthusiasm for the game and unwavering candor that have been the hallmarks of his larger than life personality.

'As a passionate UCLA alumnus and broadcaster, he loved being around our players, hearing their stories and sharing his wisdom and advice. 

'For me as a coach, he was honest, kind and always had his heart in the right place. I will miss him very much. It´s hard to imagine a season in Pauley Pavilion without him.'

More to follow.