By now, everyone’s heard the news of the death of basketball legend and Hall of Famer Bill Walton. Everybody acquainted with the 6’11 center in his playing days and then, as a color commentator, knew him to be a versatile, vibrant, and joyful man. Walton’s concern for the welfare of his fellow human beings and love for the band, ‘Grateful Dead,’ was also quite common knowledge. And after a long fight with prostate cancer, the former 2x NBA champion passed away at the age of 71. As such, the NBA world, including Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard, couldn’t help but mourn the death of a legend. Also joining them was the ex-POTUS, Barack Obama.

Mr. Obama took to X to write a beautiful note about the loss the basketball community and the world at large suffered when Bill Walton passed. “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 condolences to his family.”

Starting at UCLA, Walton was quite the handful. Playing under the legendary coach, John Wooden, a lively Walton had once said he “drove the poor guy to an early grave when he was 99.” Joining UCLA in 1971, he led the Bruins to national championships in ’72 and ’73. Not to mention, they were both perfect 30-0 seasons. In fact, at one point, they won 88 back-to-back games – an NCAA streak that is yet to be broken by any other team!

While Walton was the least problematic on-court, he gave Coach Wooden enough grief off the court. Known to be outspoken in his beliefs, the two had often argued over cultural and political beliefs, which included his signature long hair and the protests against the Vietnam War. In May 1972, during a peaceful antiwar protest on campus, Walton was arrested, and it was Wooden who bailed him out, according to the UCLA Library Facebook page.

After stints with the Blazers and San Diego, he spent the last few years of his playing career in Boston. The C’s, in a statement, deemed that Bill Walton was “one of the most consequential players of his era”. He was ‘an icon’ who mastered multiple facets of the game. Some of them were complete floor vision, great timing, and excellent fundamentals; making him one of the best passing big men.

Despite it all, the two remained tight until the day his beloved coach and mentor died in 2010. And now, one of his famed students joined him. Everybody who got to know Bill Walton, at least once, knew the man was special.

Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, Trae Young, and Jaylen Brown express heartfelt condolences after the death of Bill Walton

Nobody needed a long friendship with Walton to fall in love with him. Just one meeting with the 1978 MVP was enough to realize what a loss it would have been if they missed the opportunity. But among those who did speak at length about Walton, one was Stephen Curry. He took to Instagram to record his profound grief.

“RIP to a legend on and off the court. You might hear it all the time, but he Always brought the BEST energy and humanity to every room he walked in to. True definition of living his values, always with a smile! Prayers to the entire Walton family,” Curry wrote in his story update.

Damian Lillard, for his part, shared “Rest In Peace,” followed by the praying emojis. Lillard went ahead and shared another story update by probably a fan who tagged him. It was a photo of Dame, Bill, and Clyde Drexler standing together, with a caption, “RIP BILL WALTON. One of my favorite photos ever.”

Trae Young shared a simple message. “Was an Honor knowing this Legend.” Jaylen Brown also joined the list as he tweeted “Rest in peace Bill Walton”.

Walton is survived by his wife, Lori, and four boys, all of whom played college basketball. Our hearts go out to the bereaving family. We cannot even begin to comprehend the depth of their loss.

Rest in Peace Bill Walton! You will forever live in our hearts.