Trail Blazers Legend Bill Walton Passes Away at 71
A Hall of Famer and NBA Champion
Bill Walton, who helped lead the Portland Trail Blazers to their first NBA championship in 1977, has died at the age of 71.
Walton, a Hall of Fame center, passed away Monday after a prolonged fight with cancer, the NBA announced. He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1974 draft by the Trail Blazers after a storied career at UCLA.
In Portland, Walton quickly became a fan favorite, known for his flamboyant personality and his dominant play on the court. He averaged 18.6 points, 14.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game during his six seasons with the Blazers.
Walton was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player in 1977-78, when he led the Blazers to the championship over the Philadelphia 76ers. He was also a four-time All-Star and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.
After leaving Portland, Walton went on to play for the Boston Celtics, San Diego Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers. He retired in 1989 and has since worked as a broadcaster and analyst.
Walton's death is a major loss for the basketball community. He was a true icon of the game, and his legacy will live on forever.
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