‘He was the best of us’: Basketball world pays tribute to Bill Walton on social media
Barack Obama, Magic Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were among the many to share their thoughts on Walton following his death on Monday.
Bill Walton was one of the most popular figures in the basketball world, having the greatest careers in the sport’s history before a successful broadcasting career as he showcased his unique personality along the way.
That popularity was clear when it was announced the Hall of Famer and former Celtics star passed away from cancer on Monday. Walton was 71.
Many all-time great basketball players took to social media to share their memories of Walton. His former broadcast partners recalled what it was like to work with him, too, while a former president weighed in on Walton’s passing on social media. Fans shared their remembrances of Walton, who helped the Celtis win a title in 1986.
The Celtics released a statement on Walton’s death a few hours after it was announced on Monday.
Prior to his career in Boston, Walton had one of the most decorated college basketball careers of all time, winning Player of the Year awards and two national titles with UCLA. He also helped the Portland Trail Blazers win a championship in 1977 and won MVP in the following season. He earned nods to the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams as a result.
Here are some of the notable reactions to Walton’s death.
Barack Obama
Former President Barack Obama remarked on Walton’s basketball prowess and his spirit in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Monday.
“Bill Walton was one of the greatest basketball players of all time – a champion at every level and the embodiment of unselfish team play,” Obama wrote. “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.”
Magic Johnson
Lakers legend Magic Johnson recalled Walton’s dominance in college basketball, noting just how skilled he was compared to centers currently in the NBA.
“Rest in peace to a friend, 2X NBA Champion, Hall of Famer, and one of the most skilled centers we’ve ever seen Bill Walton!” Johnson wrote. “His NCAA Championship performance as a UCLA Bruin against Memphis is by far the most dominate NCAA Championship performance ever – he shot 21 for 22 and had us all mesmerized! That’s when I first fell in love with his basketball game.
“They talk about Jokic being the most skilled center but Bill Walton was first! From shooting jump shots to making incredible passes, he was one of the smartest basketball players to ever live. Bill was a great ambassador for college basketball and the NBA, and he will be sorely missed. Cookie and I send our condolences and prayers to his wife Lori, kids Luke, Nathan, Chris, and Adam, and all of his loved ones.”
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, whose time at UCLA proceeded Walton, wrote, “Today I had to say goodbye to a great friend that I will always miss.”
“My very close friend, fellow Bruin, and NBA rival died today,” Abdul-Jabbar wrote in a graphic. “And the world feels so much heavier now. On the court, Bill was a fierce player. But off the court, he wasn’t happy unless he did everything he could to make everyone around him happy. He was the best of us.”
Julius Erving
Julius Erving remembered his fellow Basketball Hall of Famer’s character in a social media post.
“I am sad today hearing that my comrade & one of the sports worlds most beloved champions & characters has passed,” Erving wrote. “Bill Walton enjoyed life in every way. To compete against him & to work with him was a blessing in my life. Sorry for your loss Walton family. We’ll miss him too. Doc”
Jaylen Brown
Celtics star Jaylen Brown was also one of many who chimed in on Walton’s death.
“Rest in peace Bill Walton 🤍,” Brown wrote.
UCLA
UCLA put out statements from men’s basketball coach Mick Cronin and athletic director Martin Jarmond following Walton’s death.
“On behalf of everyone with the UCLA men’s basketball program, we are deeply saddened to learn of Bill Walton’s passing,” Cronin said. “My deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones. It’s very hard to put into words what he has meant to UCLA’s program, as well as his tremendous impact on college basketball. Beyond his remarkable accomplishments as a player, it’s his relentless energy, enthusiasm for the game and unwavering candor that have been the hallmarks of his larger than life personality. As a passionate UCLA alumnus and broadcaster, he loved being around our players, hearing their stories, and sharing his wisdom and advice. For me as a coach, he was honest, kind, and always had his heart in the right place. I will miss him very much. It’s hard to imagine a season in Pauley Pavilion without him. Our athletics department, our team and this university will miss him dearly.”
“We are stunned and saddened about the news of Bill Walton’s passing,” Jarmond added in a statement. “Bill represented so many of the ideals that our university holds dear and embodied multiple traits on Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success. He loved being back on campus at UCLA, calling games in Pauley Pavilion, and being around our teams. We offer our deepest sympathy to his family, and we take solace in knowing that Bill made each day his masterpiece.”
The Portland Trail Blazers
Walton’s first professional home remembered his accomplishments over his five seasons with the team on Monday.
“Bill Walton was a true legend — an extraordinary player, talented broadcaster, and vital part of the Blazers organization,” the Blazers said in a statement. “His mastery of the game not only established him as one of the greatest centers in history, but also led the Blazers to a championship in 1977, where he earned NBA Finals Most Valuable Player. But Bill was so much more than basketball, he was larger than life. His upbeat and vibrant personality will forever be remembered and cherished, and he will be deeply missed by our organization, Rip City and all who experienced him. Our love and condolences go to Bill’s wife, Lori and his sons, Adam, Nate, Luke and Chris.”
The L.A. Clippers
Walton’s longest stop in his NBA career was with the Clippers, playing in Los Angeles between 1979-85. The team remembered him in a statement on Monday.
“We have lost one of the greatest players and personalities that this franchise, this sport and this region have ever known,” the team wrote in a social media post. “Bill Walton is synonymous with Southern California basketball: a San Diego native, a UCLA phenom, a Clipper icon.
“He defined the game as a player, a broadcaster and an ambassador, spreading joy for generations. Wherever he went, whatever he did, Big Red stood above the crowd. The Clippers organization extends our deepest condolences to the Walton family, as well as our utmost gratitude. Bill was a singular force, and we were privileged to know him.”
Jay Bilas
Several of Walton’s colleagues at ESPN remembered Walton on Monday. Jay Bilas said he was “heartbroken” by Walton’s death as he was notably shaken during a phone interview on “SportsCenter.”
“He may have been the greatest college basketball player of all time,” Bilas said. “He was an all-time great pro as well. … But there was no doubt that Bill Walton and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were the two best centers I’ve ever seen play. But more than that, and I think eclipsing that, he was an absolutely magnificent, beautiful person that you just loved to be around at all times.”
Rece Davis
“College GameDay” host Rece Davis shared a personal story of his with Walton on social media.
“Saddened to hear of Bill Walton’s passing,” Davis wrote. “He was a wonderful soul. He had a speaking engagement near the town where I grew up a couple of years ago. We talked for an hour or so because he wanted to know things about the area. Shortly after we hung up, he called back and asked for the address of the house [I] grew up in. Couldn’t imagine why he wanted it but a couple of weeks later he sent me a photo of him standing in front of the house with a jar of dirt from the yard. Said he was going to mix it with the dirt at his house in San Diego. I’ve rarely been more flattered. RIP Big Fella. Prayers for his family and the people who loved him. There were a lot of us. We were the luckiest guys in the world.”
Jason Benetti
Jason Benetti, who called games with Walton on ESPN and on the NBA app in recent years, also shared a personal memory he had with the iconic figure.
“You sent me an email in 2020 that said: ————- PUT THE MUSIC ON, as soon as it doesn’t seem right, change the music/station, but don’t turn it off —————
“I promise, the music will always be on. I’ll miss you dearly, you marvelous, vivid, wonderful.”
Mike Gorman
Longtime Celtics announcer Mike Gorman joined in on the remembrances of Walton on social media.
“When someone dies there’s always a hole to be filled… but sometimes that hole is just too big,” Gorman wrote. “RIP Bill.”
Fans share their favorite memories
Many basketball fans shared their favorite clips of Walton throughout his broadcasting career on social media.
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