“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said. “As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the center position. His unique all-around skills made him a dominant force at UCLA and led to an NBA regular-season and Finals MVP, two NBA championships and a spot on the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams.” 

After winning two NBA Championships and serving as an engaging sports broadcaster post-retirement, Bill Walton has died, surrounded by family, after a prolonged battle with cancer. Walton’s death also caused a huge blow to popular names in other sports, including NFL’s Julian Edelman, who has nothing but respect for the legend. 

Julian Edelman pays tribute to Bill Walton

It’s a sad day for the basketball world as it lost one of the legends, 2x NBA champion Bill Walton. Former NFL Pro-bowler Robert Griffin III laid out his respect for the legend in a heartfelt post on X, combining Walton’s best moments with the caption, “The laughs Bill Walton gave us will last forever.” Julian Edelman also took to his IG story to pay tribute to the legend who died at 71. Posting a photo of Walton in black and white, he captioned, “An absolute legend. RIP.” 

Bill Walton made a name for himself as the first overall NBA draft pick in 1974 by the Portland Trail Blazers. He led the team to its sole NBA title in 1977 and was named the NBA MVP the following year. He won the second championship with the Boston Celtics in 1986, earning the Sixth Man of the Year award before retiring from the court in 1988. After his playing career, he began a path in broadcasting, starting as a basketball commentator on CBS, ultimately winning an Emmy Award and CoSIDA Dick Enberg Award. The passing of this Hall of Fame basketball player has caused a void in so many people. 

Bill Walton’s death left a big void in sports

Like the NFL entities saddened by Bill Walton’s death, the NBA world is the most affected. Fellow Hall of Famer Julius Erving wrote on social media, “Bill Walton enjoyed life in every way. To compete against him and to work with him was a blessing in my life.” Magic Johnson also wrote, “From shooting jump shots to making incredible passes, he was one of the smartest basketball players to ever live… and he will be sorely missed.” Dallas Mavericks HC Jason Kidd wrote, “It’s a legend lost.” 

Following his playing career, Walton built trust with the media world, which now mourns his death. ESPN broadcaster and former on-air partner Dave Pasch said, “Bill was a special, kind, and genuine person… An iconic athlete and broadcaster, but more important, a legendary person who always made me smile.” Longtime Boston Globe columnist Bob Ryan wrote, “What a privilege to know him.” We can only pray for the bereaved family and the departed soul of the legend to rest in peace.