“Unreal Ability…RIP”: Eddie Johnson Joins in Mourning the Heartbreaking Loss of NBA Legend Chet Walker

“I fell in Love with basketball watching Chet Walker @chicagobulls play,” Eddie A Johnson rightly penned on the impact the Hall of Famer held, as he passed away at the age of 84. Chet Walker, who rose from humble beginnings, showcased a game of dedication for 13 years in the NBA – never missing a playoff all along. The basketball community today mourns the loss of the icon, cherishing the legacy left behind.

ESPN Senior NBA Insider, Adrian Wojnarowski, shared the news through his official X account. “Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame forward Chet Walker — a seven-time All-Star and a member of the Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor — has passed away at 84, per @TheNBPA,” he posted.

Further honoring ‘The Jet’s’ memory, the post featured one of the most notable moments of his career – Walker’s first and only championship with the Philadelphia 76ers from 1967. In the process, they also became the first time since 1958 to defeat the Boston Celtics in the playoffs. Reminiscing the past, Eddie Johnson shared a message for the late NBA star.  “… [Chet Walker] had an unreal ability to pump fake guys off their feet and score. True Professional. RIP,” read Johnson’s post.

Though Chet Walker found himself as the ‘other guy,’ playing alongside Wilt Chamberlain and Hal Greer, during the championship, he grew to build a strong case for himself. Starting with All-Rookie first team, Walker ended his NBA run as a 7X All-star. His presence, was thus, not lost on many.

Honoring his contributions, the Chicago Bulls penned, “His skill, dedication and contributions to the game made a lasting impact on the sport of basketball and the city of Chicago. Chet Walker will forever be remembered as a true Chicago Bulls icon.” The 76ers, Walker’s beginning, also ensured to weigh in. “The Jet,” Walker made a profound impact in our city & within our League. Our condolences go out to the Walker family & their friends,” they wrote.

However, there was more to Walker’s game and his contribution to the basketball than what’s mentioned in the above posts. So let’s dive deeper into the legacy of the former Chicago Bulls star.

A closer look at Chet Walker’s career

Having played for Benton Harbor High School boys’ basketball team, Walker’s college basketball career took him to Bradley University in 1962. Playing three seasons for the Bradley Braves, ‘The Jet’ averaged 24.4 points, and 12.8 rebounds. This impressive stat-line led to Syracuse Nationals (now Philadelphia 76ers) drafting Walker into the league in 1962 NBA draft.

Averaging a double-double in his second season, the 6’7″ player made his first All Star appearance in 1964 itself. The Jet played 7 seasons for the 76ers, during which he secured the 1967 NBA championship and also averaged 16.2 points, and 7.9 rebounds per game. Walker played his last six seasons with the Chicago Bulls and replicated a college-like stat-line with the team.

Not only did he average 20.6 points, and 6.1 rebounds with the Bulls, but also scored 56 points against the Cincinnati Royals in Feb 1972. This was the highest score by any Bulls player in a single game until Michael Jordan leveled it in 1987. However, it took another 5 years for even His Airness to surpass this record. Honored by the Bulls as a member of the team’s first ring alongside Jordan, Dennis Rodman and Scottie Pippen, Chet Walker has now departed from this world at 84.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.