The basketball world has lost a real icon with the death of Walter Davis. A University of North Carolina Sports Hall of Famer and an Olympic gold medalist for the United States, Davis passed away at the age of 69 due to “natural causes.”

Leading the all-time scorer charts for Phoenix Suns even today, Davis was followed by one notoriously competitive teenager. A young Michael Jordan opted to model his game by being around the then-established rookie Walter Davis. MJ followed suit and played for three seasons with the North Carolina Tar Heels under coach Dean Smith, the same team that benefitted with 1,863 points, 670 rebounds, and 409 assists as part of Davis’ college basketball tenure.

Michael Jordan’s admiration for Walter Davis

When 21-year-old Michael Jordan, during his rookie year was asked who the best player he ever saw was, MJ surprised the media with his answer. Instead of naming more well-known players like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, he unexpectedly mentioned Walter Davis.

“To play against? Has to be Walter Davis,” Jordan said. “I played against Walter Davis in the summertime, and he’s been an outstanding basketball player.” Surprisingly, Jordan found inspiration in Walter Davis.

After a brilliant stint at North Carolina, where Jordan also played, Davis was drafted fifth overall by the Suns in 1977. His impact in the NBA was immediate, as he averaged 24.2 points per game and was voted Rookie of the Year.

Walter Davis was a two-time All-ACC selection in 1976 and 1977, displaying his outstanding talents and leadership on the floor. During his tenure at North Carolina, he was instrumental in the team’s success, helping them win the ACC tournament and get to the NCAA championship game. He even had the honor of representing the United States on the men’s basketball team in the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Davis and the squad won the gold medal under the direction of his former college coach, Dean Smith, a moment that eternally inscribed his name in Olympic history.

Following his collegiate career, the Phoenix Suns picked Walter Davis as the fifth overall choice in the 1977 NBA Draft. His adjustment to the professional league was nothing short of spectacular, winning him Rookie of the Year honors for the 1977-78 season. Davis became a six-time NBA All-Star throughout his 15-year NBA career, a tribute to his remarkable talent and contributions to the game.

He has worn the jerseys of the Phoenix Suns, Denver Nuggets, and Portland Trail Blazers over the years. Before retiring in 1992, he made it to two All-NBA teams and averaged an astounding 18.9 points on 51.1 percent shooting, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game.

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However, the demise of this legend has left the whole NBA and fans in shock. And the fans are showing their love for the legend on social media.

Fans pay their respect to the basketball legend

Walter Davis had an incalculable effect on the basketball floor. His career consisted of incredible accomplishments and unforgettable events. The University of North Carolina confirmed his death, leaving the basketball community and fans throughout the world in sadness. Many fans left messages for the legend and paid tribute to him.

One fan got emotional and wrote,

Another fan paid his respects to the legend and said,

One fan paid respect to the legend’s family as they are the ones who will be suffering the most. He wrote,

One fan even remembered Davis’s play and said,

We will remember Walter Davis for his contributions to basketball and for inspiring numerous sportsmen and spectators alike. His demise signals the end of an era, but his legacy will live on, reminding us of the quality he represented and the passion he had for the game of basketball.

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