On Monday, May 27, 2024, we suffered a tremendous loss with the untimely passing of Bill Walton at the age of 71. The Conference released the following statement after learning the news:
Across social media, leagues, teams, organizations, past & present players & teammates and fans took to social media to remember and share their love for Bill Walton.
UCLA mourns the passing of two-time NCAA champion Bill Walton, a Naismith Hall of Fame inductee (1993) and charter member of the @UCLAAthletics Hall of Fame (1984).
𝑰𝑵 𝑴𝑬𝑴𝑶𝑹𝑰𝑨𝑴: https://t.co/VwZwd9uVDs pic.twitter.com/6GrCWvplK7
— UCLA Men’s Basketball (@UCLAMBB) May 27, 2024
Today I had to say goodbye to
a great friend that I will always miss….@UCLAAthletics @UCLAMBB @NBA pic.twitter.com/JIA3sORJgY— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) May 27, 2024
Bill Walton was one of the greatest basketball players of all time – a champion at every level and the embodiment of unselfish team play. 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…
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 27, 2024
RIP to a true legend and one of a kind personality, Bill Walton.
We know Bill’s legacy will continue to Shine On! pic.twitter.com/CQsROEET1D
— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) May 27, 2024
I am sad today hearing that my comrade & one of the sports worlds most beloved champions & characters has passed. 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 pic.twitter.com/GAEt1DRH8N
— Julius Dr J Erving (@JuliusErving) May 27, 2024
No Bill, I’m the luckiest guy in the world! Thank you for my life. pic.twitter.com/2y0ATvUsKx
— Roxy Bernstein (@roxybernstein) May 27, 2024
Thank you for your life 🤍 pic.twitter.com/tDi06LmbQc
— Ashley Adamson (@AdamsonAshley) May 27, 2024
"I love you, but don't tell anybody."
Bill Walton's longtime broadcast partner @DavePasch reflects on one of his favorite memories of his friend ❤️ pic.twitter.com/zcBDQHlBOp
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 27, 2024
.@JayBilas remembers Bill Walton ❤️
"He may have been the greatest college basketball player of all time. He was an all-time great pro as well. ... But more than that ... He was an absolutely magnificent, beautiful person that you just loved to be around at all times." pic.twitter.com/oolIQZxrbu
— ESPN (@espn) May 27, 2024
There will never be another Bill. Love you & miss you my friend. pic.twitter.com/JiVJyQHIO4
— Dave Pasch (@DavePasch) May 27, 2024
Bill Walton has passed away at the age of 71.
2x NCAA Champion
2x NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player
3x National College Player of the Year
3x First-Team All American
1993 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame InducteeA legend of the game forever. pic.twitter.com/t8Bk16dpdx
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) May 27, 2024
Bill Walton was an icon for our sport and a tremendous ambassador for Stanford and the @pac12. Our love and support goes out to his family, friends and the basketball community ❤️🌲 pic.twitter.com/TF5X7wo77D
— Stanford Men's Basketball (@StanfordMBB) May 27, 2024
ESPN remembers basketball legend and longtime broadcaster Bill Walton pic.twitter.com/jD8EBTCYkS
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) May 27, 2024
We have lost one of the greatest players and personalities that this franchise, this sport and this region have ever known. 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… pic.twitter.com/KAXvnG8Mkk
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) May 27, 2024
I’m devastated. I don’t know of a kinder, more generous, more thankful person than Bill Walton. And I don’t mean celebrities I mean everybody. He made me feel special, but he did that with everyone…every day…every moment. pic.twitter.com/5j8eNd5qDp
— Doug Tammaro (@DougTammaro) May 27, 2024
Devastating news. Bill Walton was one of one. He brought such joy to all who worked with him. Loved any assignment @espn or @westwood1sports when I had the honor to interact with him on air, at practice or during the car rides to an event. May his memory be a blessing to all who… pic.twitter.com/Zp5OV6YhmC
— Andy Katz (@TheAndyKatz) May 27, 2024
"Bill Walton was a legendary player, a hilarious, colorful broadcaster and most of all a wonderful person. I fell in love with basketball watching Bill dominate at UCLA in front of packed crowds at Pauley Pavilion, and I was blessed to get to know him later in our lives when he… pic.twitter.com/2JNCjyH3zq
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) May 27, 2024
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! 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…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 27, 2024
#FightOnForever, Bill Walton.
A legendary rival who became a passionate friend, no one championed the Conference of Champions like Walton. pic.twitter.com/fZH5PDmO6t
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) May 27, 2024
Bill Walton lived a life that the rest of us could only hope to achieve on our second (or third) go-round. He had an eye toward the truly important stuff, the stuff we already know better than to lose sight of, but often do. One of Bill’s great talents was to reorient you so as… pic.twitter.com/FotpS6wB6L
— John Mayer (@JohnMayer) May 28, 2024
No one cared about and supported the @pac12 more than Bill Walton. His passion for the league and our student-athletes was infectious. He brought joy, hope, and positivity to everyone he came in contact with. Thank you, Bill. RIP. #conferenceofchampions https://t.co/WtWHSvaM8k
— Teresa Kuehn Gould (@TKGould) May 28, 2024
The man took a joyride through the cosmos.
Thank you for your life. pic.twitter.com/RuYC2d2xs7
— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) May 27, 2024
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 pic.twitter.com/aNMaAzRS6D
— Jason Benetti (@jasonbenetti) May 27, 2024
Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of my buddy, Bill Walton.
His game was ahead of its time, truly one of the greatest big men who ever played. Yet, nothing compared to his passion and love of life, itself.
I can hear him now imploring me to “smile……cherish… pic.twitter.com/IBI7Enjr5K
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) May 27, 2024
There was no one like Bill Walton.
❤️ @UCLAMBB pic.twitter.com/98nNfUrpQK
— Stanford WBB 🤓🏀 (@StanfordWBB) May 28, 2024
My condolences to Lori, the boys and all of Bill’s family & friends. Bill was 1 in a million, & lived life to the absolute fullest Today we lost a great human. Bill & I cherished our friendship with them. I know my Bill was waiting for his biggest fan with that big cackle RIP💔💚 pic.twitter.com/SRHTgzklIF
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) May 28, 2024
A moment of silence was held in honor of Bill Walton before Game 4 of Celtics-Pacers ❤️ pic.twitter.com/cH6otsTYY1
— ESPN (@espn) May 28, 2024
The Beaver Family mourns the loss of the Legendary Bill Walton. Truly one of a kind, Bill will be greatly missed. 🧡🖤 pic.twitter.com/7tsZI8yXs2
— Oregon State Hoops (@BeaverMBB) May 27, 2024
https://t.co/I8QRobQL8t pic.twitter.com/jKSJjAg7GU
— NBA (@NBA) May 27, 2024
Today we mourn the passing of legendary Hall of Famer Bill Walton. He was a true friend to the Hall and a persistent champion for what the sport can accomplish in the lives of those who play.
Our sincere condolences to his family and friends. Bill’s contributions to the NBA and… pic.twitter.com/E96su9O9fJ
— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) May 27, 2024
NCAA SVP Dan Gavitt on the passing of Bill Walton. pic.twitter.com/zwDt6ECA95
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) May 27, 2024
Rest in peace Bill Walton. Your light, joy & warmth will be dearly missed ❤️🙏🏽
— Ros Gold-Onwude (@ROSGO21) May 27, 2024
So sad that our friend Bill Walton has passed away. He was truly a very special and joyful person and his megawatt smile made everyone smile! His enthusiasm for life and all things rock and roll was unstoppable and we miss you Bill! Our love and prayers to Lori and family. pic.twitter.com/ZbcytgKAM0
— John Fogerty (@John_Fogerty) May 27, 2024
today is a sad day for me … i lost great mentor and friend in Bill Walton …Thank you for your mentorship and inspiration. one of the greatest to ever do it ! Rest well my friend ! #BillWalton 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/4E18wTvIbC
— Vez (@ChevezGoodwin) May 27, 2024
I first met Bill Walton as a freshman @UCLAMBB. His genuine kindness and love for anyone that wore that uniform shined through. Over the last 29 years every interaction was the same…started with a smile, a story and questions he’d ask about my children.
— Sean Farnham (@SeanFarnham) May 27, 2024
RIP Legend pic.twitter.com/et5kBun3AZ
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) May 27, 2024
Fare you well, fare you well, we love you more than words can tell.
Bill was an irreplaceable force and spirit in our family. Father Time, Rhythm Devil, biggest deadhead ever. Over 1000 shows and couldn’t get enough. He loved this band and we loved him. pic.twitter.com/kQoFoPLZy9
— Dead & Company (@deadandcompany) May 28, 2024
Sending our love to the Walton family and all the people who have been so lucky knowing Bill’s love and support over the years. We will miss that big smile and bigger infectious spirit! Bill will be greeted with a joyous guitar riff and big smiles as he arrives on the other side.… pic.twitter.com/x65giB1y2D
— Jerry Garcia (@jerrygarcia) May 27, 2024
Yo Bill, thanks for the ride. Thanks for the wonderful friendship, the years of color commentary - and the Hall of Fame existence that you wore like headlights.
Bon voyage ol’ buddy. We’re sure gonna miss you - but don’t let that slow you down...
📸: @Bob_Minkin/@jayblakesberg pic.twitter.com/DKkJzmpBDb
— Bobby Weir (@BobWeir) May 28, 2024
Bill was my best friend. He was an amazing person, singular, irreplaceable, giving, loving. He called himself the luckiest man in the world but it was us who were lucky—to know him. There are things you can replace. And others you cannot. Bon voyage, old friend, I love you. pic.twitter.com/P7Xewu4bWZ
— Mickey Hart (@mickeyhart) May 28, 2024
Bill Walton brought excellence, grit and joy to everything he did — from basketball to broadcasting to political advocacy.
We’ll miss Bill at the games, the Grateful Dead concerts and in the halls of Congress.
My deepest condolences to Lori and to the entire Walton family. -NP pic.twitter.com/GP9Tjb2Ciu
— Nancy Pelosi (@TeamPelosi) May 27, 2024
I’m going to miss Bill Walton…his humor, infectious smile, zest for life etc. We missed playing @MarchMadnessMBB against each other @GopherMBB during his @UCLA championship years as we got eliminated before a head to head matchup. #RIP my friend pic.twitter.com/IrtODQvzsE
— Dave Winfield (@DaveWinfieldHOF) May 27, 2024
My favorite Bill Walton experience: when he came to visit us at The Jump, saw a framed photo we had on set of Bill Russell (his favorite player), and simply walked over, grabbed it - and took it home. The whole thing was absolutely delightful. What a force; he will be so missed pic.twitter.com/yCwVQNjQbN
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) May 27, 2024
As he would say to so many of us he worked with …Thank you for everything Bill Walton.
A true legend.
Honored to be among the many enlightened by his brilliance.Condolences to all those who loved Big Red.
— MikeTirico (@miketirico) May 27, 2024
Forever Bruin 🤍💙💛 https://t.co/Fet5qrSlQG
— Earl J Watson (@Earl_Watson) May 27, 2024
Rip City icon & basketball legend.
Rest in Peace, Bill 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/czZ4IiX6m2
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) May 27, 2024
I lost a friend today…a true original…one of one. An absolutely beautiful human being. Love and good vibes only today. From all of us THANK YOU FOR YOUR LIFE my friend. https://t.co/l0eBxgZ3hV
— Burke Magnus (@burkemagnus) May 27, 2024
Absolutely crushed to hear of the passing of the legendary Bill Walton, whose intellect, sense of humor, and zest for life were even bigger than he was.
He was also, when healthy, every bit as good a big man as there ever was, with a game that was decades ahead of his time -… pic.twitter.com/s8h134f4M4
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) May 27, 2024
Bill Walton was in the stands at @TheGarden for Game 7 of the 1994 Stanley Cup Final. When asked what he was doing there, Bill replied: “When there is a championship to be won, I'm in the building!” RIP
— Kenny Albert (@KennyAlbert) May 27, 2024
A one-of-a-kind broadcaster and a one-of-a-kind person.
We’ll never forget the legacy of Bill Walton. pic.twitter.com/onB2A7mjlX
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 27, 2024
San Francisco Giants announcers Mike Krukow and Duane Kuiper pay tribute to Bill Walton.
Krukow: Really a friend to all. Just a wonderful man. That's a guy I'll miss. We all will. Bill, we'll miss you
He walked into a room and everybody in that room would be his friend. pic.twitter.com/40zBC5koAI
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 27, 2024
Your life and Legacy will live on!!! We honor you and always keep you in our hearts!!! Love you Bill Walton. Prayers to your family !!! pic.twitter.com/oDHiX3vXCt
— Baron Davis (@BaronDavis) May 27, 2024
Tony and Mike share their thoughts on the passing of the legendary Bill Walton. pic.twitter.com/askdPBThJ1
— PTI (@PTI) May 27, 2024
Bill Walton’s Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Speech. 🏀 https://t.co/1g676UcQPE pic.twitter.com/RtqlpCp1XN
— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) May 27, 2024
The legendary Bill Walton, one of the game’s true greats, and a generous, kind soul. There will never be another Bill Walton. RIP. https://t.co/XPchICkEFR
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) May 27, 2024
"They give me confidence, they give me hope, and they make me believe that tomorrow is going to be even better.” Inside Bill Waltons life-long love of the Grateful Dead. https://t.co/iT9oHr9jd0
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) May 27, 2024
He was a NICER Man than he was a GREAT player…R.I.P (Rip City)Bill pic.twitter.com/5cgr5H63Rj
— Mychal Thompson (@champagnennuts) May 27, 2024
Remembering Bill Walton, 1952-2024.
"There are certain people who you can just tell have determined to get the most out of life, and in that time, sort of change the world." @IzGutierrez pic.twitter.com/H9EY0FmKdl
— Around the Horn (@AroundtheHorn) May 27, 2024
Love you Bill! Gonna miss you! We all are! Sending thoughts and prayers to the whole Walton family! pic.twitter.com/zeyqpj0X5s
— Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) May 27, 2024
I met Bill my rookie year in Anchorage Alaska for Lakers/Clippers preseason game. At the same hotel I came down early 4 breakfast & Bill invited me 2 his table. To this day we never talked basketball-just love, life, happiness & peace. A true friend & mentor. You will be missed pic.twitter.com/FUP1gozxMC
— James Worthy (@JamesWorthy42) May 27, 2024
— George Karl (@CoachKarl22) May 27, 2024
Bill Walton loved many things including the time he got to spend with Larry Bird and the Celtics. They were pure poetry on the court and you knew there was something so special about their appreciation for their craft and each other. There will never be another Bill Walton. 🙏🏻RIP
— Karl Ravech (@karlravechespn) May 27, 2024
Reading Bill’s messages aloud to the newsroom was like reading from a poet’s works. He probably communicated similarly to many—but made you feel your relationship with him was unique. https://t.co/XPASD84bmR
— Kenny Mayne (@Kenny_Mayne) May 27, 2024
The night the great championship Celtics team of the 80s met the @GratefulDead and became Dead Heads, as told in his wonderfully typical stream-of-consciousness style by the man who made it happen.
The great — and sadly late —Bill Walton. #RIPBillWalton…
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) May 27, 2024
Shocked to hear that my friend Bill Walton has died of cancer. This is the last I saw him. Of course at a Dead & Company show. A sweet giant of a man with a sweet and giant spirit. My heart goes to his family and all who had the privilege of knowing Bill. pic.twitter.com/G05ZOFTecH
— Al Franken (@alfranken) May 27, 2024
Bill Walton, an NBA legend as both a player and broadcaster, died Monday of colon cancer at the age of 71.
His longtime rival and good friend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said, “He was the best of us.” https://t.co/YQUQaqVE3b pic.twitter.com/qjlF5IZhWR
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) May 28, 2024
RIP Bill Walton 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) May 27, 2024
Gone but never forgotten! Farewell Legend ☘️🙏🏾🫱🏿🫲🏼 https://t.co/FDfQeNFeox
— Kevin Garnett (@KevinGarnett5KG) May 27, 2024
Rest in peace Bill Walton 🤍
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) May 27, 2024
Sad to hear of the passing of Bill Walton. Basketball legend, but more importantly an outstanding human being. Thankful for all the moments we shared together in the PAC-12 over the last decade. Thank you for your life, Bill, shine on! pic.twitter.com/1fuqkqCMYE
— Bobby Hurley (@BobbyHurley11) May 28, 2024
The #SFGiants are saddened to learn of the passing of basketball hall-of-famer, Bill Walton. Bill was a staple at many of our Grateful Dead Nights over the years, and we will always remember his glowing personality and the talents that made him a sports legend. pic.twitter.com/vxFHotsfb0
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) May 27, 2024
"He'd been texting me a lot throughout our playoffs...I read some of his messages to our players just so they could realize the impact they are having on people all around basketball."
Coach Carlisle reflects on the passing of basketball legend and former teammate, Bill Walton. pic.twitter.com/z1ppFTb6P2
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 27, 2024
Bill Walton was one of the most consequential players of his era. A Hall of Famer, Most Valuable Player, and two-time NBA Champion, Walton could do it all, possessing great timing, complete vision of the floor, excellent fundamentals, and was of one of the greatest passing big… pic.twitter.com/AW1PIUxALk
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 27, 2024
Gone but never forgotten! Farewell Legend ☘️🙏🏾🫱🏿🫲🏼 https://t.co/FDfQeNFeox
— Kevin Garnett (@KevinGarnett5KG) May 27, 2024
Rest in peace Bill Walton 🤍
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) May 27, 2024
RIP Bill Walton 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) May 27, 2024
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Bill Walton, a basketball legend and an incredible human being. My sincere condolences to my dear friends Luke and Bre, and to Bill's entire loving family. You will be deeply missed🙏❤️ https://t.co/WdWeG0WCKL
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) May 27, 2024
A singular icon of the game & an ambassador for Cal, the @Pac12 & all of basketball. Our hearts are with the family & friends of Bill Walton. pic.twitter.com/yTS49xRVjQ
— Cal Basketball (@CalMBBall) May 27, 2024
A singular icon of the game & an ambassador for Cal, the @Pac12 & all of basketball. Our hearts are with the family & friends of Bill Walton. pic.twitter.com/yTS49xRVjQ
— Cal Basketball (@CalMBBall) May 27, 2024
My Dad always tells my brothers and me that “this is not the dress rehearsal” and that we’ve got one shot to LIVE this life we’re blessed with. Bill Walton didn’t need a reminder.
Irreplaceable. Thank you for your life. pic.twitter.com/tIRpOSPcs3
— Luke Murray (@CoachLukeMurray) May 27, 2024
UW Rowing joins so many in the world of sports in mourning the passing of the great Bill Walton, who brought boundless enthusiasm and curiosity to everything he encountered, including Washington Rowing.
He will be missed. #RIPBillWalton pic.twitter.com/mEK84yTEJD
— Washington Rowing (@UW_Rowing) May 27, 2024
The Wooden Award sends its love and condolences to the family of Bill Walton. Bill was one of the best friends the Wooden Award had in an advocate for the goodness of John R. Wooden. We loved Bill Walton & Bill Walton loved John Wooden - together now in everlasting life. 🙏🏽🇺🇸🏀 pic.twitter.com/zJSLdKBjkP
— John R. Wooden Award (@WoodenAward) May 27, 2024
