After a prolonged battle against cancer, Bill Walton has passed away at the age of 71. Among the countless personalities who have paid their tribute to the former Portland Trail Blazers big man and two-time NBA champion is Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard.
For several years now, Walton has been struggling with the said disease while continuing his work as a sports commentator for PAC-12 college games. Before that, the former champion covered the NBA and served as analyst for NBC, ESPN, ABC, and the Los Angeles Clippers.
After leading UCLA to a pair of NCAA championships in 1972 and 1973, Walton was selected first by the Trail Blazers in the 1974 NBA Draft. Although his rookie campaign was cut short by an injury, the center bounced back in his third year by leading Portland to a championship. All in all, Walton played four seasons with the Trail Blazers and averaged 17.1 points, 13.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 2.6 blocks per contest.
Walton later played for the San Diego Clippers before spending the final part of his career with the Boston Celtics. During his two-season run there, the big man won Sixth Man of the Year and another ring during the 1985-86 campaign.
Milwaukee Bucks Star Damian Lillard Pays Tribute To The Late Bill Walton
Walton’s passing prompted various personalities to pay tribute to the late superstar. Among them is Bucks starting guard Damian Lillard in a screenshot of his post captured by Kit Espina on X.
Damian Lillard on Bill Walton, who passed away at 71 after a long cancer battle: “Rest In Peace. 🙏🏿🙏🏿” pic.twitter.com/QT5rvOv8gP
— Kit Espina (@KeithEspino22) May 27, 2024
Like Walton, Lillard himself became the face of the Trail Blazers in the 11 seasons he played there. During that period, the All-Star guard averaged 25.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists before being traded to Milwaukee for veteran guard Jrue Holiday.
Walton’s career in the NBA is proof that there’s no amount of adversities that can prevent a player to become champion. Hopefully, Lillard reaches the same status as he and the Bucks attempt to compete for a ring next season.
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