Bill Walton, an important NBA name of the 1970s and the 1980s, passed away.
An important name in NBA history passed away today: 2006 Naismith Hall of Famer Bill Walton.
The center died because of cancer at the age of 71, per an announcement by the NBA.
Since being selected as the 1st overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft, Walton accumulated an impressive career in the globe's biggest basketball league on top of brief appearances in the USA basketball men's team.
He won the NBA in 1977 and 1986, being named the Finals MVP in 1977 and winning the regular season MVP honors in 1978.
Walton is primarily remembered for his career at the Portland Trail Blazers, the team in which he won the 1977 championship and the team that retired his jersey number of 32.
The center won many other accolades in a career that spanned 1974-1988, including the NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1986), two All-Star citations (1977 and 1978), one All-NBA First Team selection (1978), and one All-NBA Second Team selection (1977).
The late center had career averages of 13.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.
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