Bill Walton, basketball legend, has passed away. He was 71 years old

Bill Walton, who was the stronghold of the UCLA team in college basketball in the United States under the leadership of the legendary coach John Wooden and later entered the Hall of Fame after an extraordinary career in the NBA and for his work as a commentator, died on Monday, the league said on behalf of his family.

Walton, who had suffered a long battle with cancer, was 71 years old.

“Bill Walton was one of a kind,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said.

He was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player in the 1977-78 season. He was champion twice in the league and was included in his 75th anniversary teams. All this after a college career in which he won two national championships at UCLA and was voted the best player in the country three times.

“Today I am saddened to know that my comrade and one of the most beloved champions and characters in the world of sports has passed away,” wrote Julius “Dr. Hall of Famer J” Erving on social media. “Bill Walton enjoyed life in every way. Competing against him and working with him was a blessing in my life.”

Immediately when the news was announced, expressions of affection and recognition began to arrive and the NBA was planning to observe a moment of silence to commemorate his life, prior to the start of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Walton, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993, excelled on and off the court.

His NBA career, affected by foot injuries, lasted just 468 games with Portland, the Clippers (San Diego and then Los Angeles) and Boston. He averaged 13.3 points and 10.5 rebounds in those games, numbers that are not exceptional.

Regardless, his impact on basketball was tremendous.

His most famous game was the 1973 NBA Finals, with UCLA facing Memphis. He made 21 of his 22 field goals as the Bruins won another national championship.

Walton retired from the NBA and ended up as a television commentator, something he never thought he would do well. He did not see it possible because he had stuttered when speaking.

But he also excelled in that aspect. Walton ended up receiving an Emmy Award for his work.

Walton died surrounded by his loved ones, the family said. He is survived by his wife Lori and his sons Adam, Nate, Chris and Luke — a former NBA player and current coach.