Basketball Hall of Famer Bill Walton Dies at 71
Former UCLA star and NBA champion succumbed to cancer
Walton's legacy will endure as one of the greatest players of all time
Basketball Hall of Famer Bill Walton, who won two NBA championships with the Boston Celtics and Portland Trail Blazers, has died at the age of 71 after a long battle with cancer. Walton, who also starred for the UCLA Bruins in college, was known for his aggressive play and his outspoken personality.
Walton was a key member of the Bruins' legendary 1967-68 team that won a record 88 consecutive games. He was named the Naismith Player of the Year in 1974 and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.
Walton was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers with the first overall pick in the 1974 NBA draft. He helped the Blazers win their first NBA championship in 1977 and was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player.
Walton also played for the Boston Celtics, San Diego Clippers, and Los Angeles Clippers. He retired from the NBA in 1985 due to injuries.
After his playing career, Walton became a successful broadcaster and author. He is currently a studio analyst for ESPN.
Walton's death is a major loss for the basketball community. He was a great player, a great commentator, and a great person. He will be deeply missed.
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