Bill Walton, an NBA MVP and beloved sports broadcaster, has died.
He was 71 years old.
“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.
Bill Walton.Ethan Miller/Getty
“As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the center position.
But what I will remember most about him was his zest for life.
In 1993, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
William Theodore Walton III was born on Nov. 5, 1952 in La Mesa, Calif.
Suffering from stuttering and shyness, Walton found refuge in basketball.
After an illustrious high school career, he was recruited by legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden.
Walton also helped the Bruins secure their record-holding NCAA basketball winning streak, winning an astounding 88 straight games.
He also won three consecutive national player of the year awards.
Walton transitioned to broadcasting following his career on the court, beginning with CBS in 1990.
