Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson and more pay tribute to Bill Walton

Hall of Fame center Bill Walton, a two-time champion at UCLA and in the NBA, a former No.1 overall pick, and one of the biggest personalities of the game, died on May 27 after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was 71 years old. Walton played 10 seasons in the NBA with the Portland Trail Blazers, LA Clippers and the Boston Celtics, averaging 13.3 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists. He earned Finals MVP after leading the Blazers to the 1977 championship and won another title with the Celtics in 1986. A two-time All-Star, Walton won the league’s Most Valuable Player award in 1978.

Walton retired from the NBA after the 1987-88 season. He turned to broadcasting where he became one of the most entertaining and eccentric color commentators for NCAA and NBA telecasts.

A beloved member of the NBA family, legends, current players and other members of the basketball community took to social media to pay tribute to Walton’s career and his many off-the-court contributions.

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Today I had to say goodbye to
a great friend that I will always miss….@UCLAAthletics @UCLAMBB @NBA pic.twitter.com/JIA3sORJgY

— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) May 27, 2024

Rest in peace to a friend, 2X NBA Champion, Hall of Famer, and one of the most skilled centers we’ve ever seen Bill Walton! His NCAA Championship performance as a UCLA Bruin against Memphis is by far the most dominate NCAA Championship performance ever – he shot 21 for 22 and had…

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 27, 2024

I am sad today hearing that my comrade & one of the sports worlds most beloved champions & characters has passed. 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 pic.twitter.com/GAEt1DRH8N

— Julius Dr J Erving (@JuliusErving) May 27, 2024

Bill Walton was one of the greatest basketball players of all time – a champion at every level and the embodiment of unselfish team play. He was also a wonderful spirit full of curiosity, humor and kindness. We are poorer for his passing, and Michelle and I send our deepest…

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 27, 2024

A true legend on and off the court.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Bill Walton's friends and family during this time. pic.twitter.com/j5POKYYuDB

— NBPA (@TheNBPA) May 27, 2024

Rip City icon & basketball legend.

Rest in Peace, Bill ️ pic.twitter.com/czZ4IiX6m2

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) May 27, 2024

Bill Walton was one of the most consequential players of his era. A Hall of Famer, Most Valuable Player, and two-time NBA Champion, Walton could do it all, possessing great timing, complete vision of the floor, excellent fundamentals, and was of one of the greatest passing big… pic.twitter.com/AW1PIUxALk

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 27, 2024

We have lost one of the greatest players and personalities that this franchise, this sport and this region have ever known. 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… pic.twitter.com/KAXvnG8Mkk

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) May 27, 2024

UCLA mourns the passing of two-time NCAA champion Bill Walton, a Naismith Hall of Fame inductee (1993) and charter member of the @UCLAAthletics Hall of Fame (1984).

: https://t.co/VwZwd9uVDs pic.twitter.com/6GrCWvplK7

— UCLA Men’s Basketball (@UCLAMBB) May 27, 2024

Bill Walton marched to the beat of his own drum. I admired him as a great basketball player, but even more as a special human being who spoke up for social justice. One of one. Rest in peace, Bill. #hof

— Alex English (@AlexEnglish_2) May 28, 2024

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Bill Walton, a basketball legend and an incredible human being. My sincere condolences to my dear friends Luke and Bre, and to Bill's entire loving family. You will be deeply missed❤️ https://t.co/WdWeG0WCKL

— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) May 27, 2024

"Bill Walton was a legendary player, a hilarious, colorful broadcaster and most of all a wonderful person. I fell in love with basketball watching Bill dominate at UCLA in front of packed crowds at Pauley Pavilion, and I was blessed to get to know him later in our lives when he… pic.twitter.com/2JNCjyH3zq

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) May 27, 2024

RIP Bill Walton

— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) May 27, 2024

You sent me an email in 2020 that said:

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PUT THE MUSIC ON,

as soon as it doesn’t seem right,

change the music/station,

but don’t turn it off

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I promise, the music will always be on.

I’ll miss you dearly, you marvelous, vivid, wonderful pic.twitter.com/aNMaAzRS6D

— Jason Benetti (@jasonbenetti) May 27, 2024

There will never be another Bill. Love you & miss you my friend. pic.twitter.com/JiVJyQHIO4

— Dave Pasch (@DavePasch) May 27, 2024