NBA Media and Fans React to the Death of Bill Walton

Walton was a legend during his playing days and later as an announcer.

Jan 18, 2024; Stanford, California, USA; PAC-12 Network play-by-play commentator Bill Walton after the game between the Stanford Cardinal and the Washington State Cougars at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports / Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports

Bill Walton, a two-time NBA champ and Hall of Famer who later became a legendary announcer, died Monday after a battle with cancer, the NBA announced. He was 71 years old.

Walton won two national championships under John Wooden at UCLA and was the No. 1 overall pick by the Potland Trail Blazers in the 1974 NBA draft. He led Portland to a NBA title in 1977 and was later the sixth man for the 1986 Boston Celtics team that won the championship.

Walton became beloved by basketball fans over the years for his job announcing college basketball games on ESPN, in which his hilarious personality was on full display during every broadcast.

Here's the NBA's announcement:

The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/fdlty5X3F5

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 27, 2024

Here's how media members and fans on X reacted to the sad news:

Rest in peace Bill Walton — a true one of one, somehow who brought as much joy and creativity to the sport of basketball as anyone ever.

— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) May 27, 2024

Absolutely crushed to hear of the passing of the legendary Bill Walton, whose intellect, sense of humor, and zest for life were even bigger than he was.

He was also, when healthy, every bit as good a big man as there ever was, with a game that was decades ahead of his time -… pic.twitter.com/s8h134f4M4

— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) May 27, 2024

RIP Bill Walton. Legendary player, incredible broadcaster, and authentic human. pic.twitter.com/R9UDwRFXIZ

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) May 27, 2024

Terrible news. Just horrible. Bill Walton was a light. pic.twitter.com/1EOgKFMU85

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 27, 2024

Bill Walton was a must-watch any time he put on the headset.

When he gave color commentary for the White Sox, I was overjoyed. Such a tremendous entertainer with an incredible basketball career. RIP pic.twitter.com/cxMhYQDJW2

— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) May 27, 2024

RIP Bill Walton Legend pic.twitter.com/eZxNYcQ8jS

— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) May 27, 2024

Damn RIP Bill Walton. All-time Deadhead. Hope he's enjoying an endless "Dark Star" in the sky. pic.twitter.com/unHBZDyBC1

— Steven Hyden (@Steven_Hyden) May 27, 2024

RIP Bill Walton. I'm happy that he'll never know life without the Pac-12. He went out a king. pic.twitter.com/rDCZ3TYHMO

— Steve Bartle (@SBartle247) May 27, 2024

RIP in peace NBA Legend Bill Walton

We’ll always have our late night PAC-12 basketball games together. pic.twitter.com/q2YQ6hjSNk

— Korked Bats (@korkedbats) May 27, 2024

RIP Bill Walton, a true American iconoclast, Hall of Fame center & center of moral clarity, the greatest Dead fan there ever was. To see him at a show was a special form of blessing, pure uninhibited joy & idiosyncratic soulfulness. A legit hero. What a long strange trip it was. pic.twitter.com/47TIdmqrzA

— Otto Von Biz Markie (@Passionweiss) May 27, 2024

There will never be another Bill Walton. His games were appointment television.

I mean this in all sincerity: every sports broadcast ^needs^ at least a *touch *of unhinged chaotic nonsense.

🕊️Rest in power, king. https://t.co/5cRRe5XDED pic.twitter.com/OUTxEWVyyY

— Andrew Streeter (@andrewstreeter_) May 27, 2024