ESPN paid tribute to the late NBA legend, Bill Walton, on Monday after his passing at the age of 71 following a battle with cancer. The network adjusted its Monday programming to honor Walton’s memory and celebrated his remarkable career.
Walton had been with ESPN for 22 years, starting as an NBA analyst in 2002 and later transitioning to calling college basketball games in 2012. ESPN aired special programming throughout the afternoon, including tributes on SportsCenter and NBA Today from 3-5 pm ET.
The network also announced the airing of a 30 for 30 documentary about Walton’s life and career, titled The Luckiest Guy in the World, on ESPN2 at 5 pm and 10:30 pm. In a statement, ESPN described Walton as a “truly special, giving person” who always made time for others.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver confirmed Walton’s death and praised the Hall of Famer for his contributions to the game both on and off the court. Silver highlighted Walton’s unique skills as a player, which led to multiple NBA championships and accolades, as well as his infectious enthusiasm for the game as a broadcaster.
Walton spent 10 years in the NBA, playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, LA Clippers, and Boston Celtics, winning championships with both the Blazers in 1977 and the Celtics in 1986. After retiring as a player, Walton delved into sports media, working as a color commentator for CBS, NBC, and the Clippers before joining ESPN.
The NBA community mourns the loss of Bill Walton, a true legend of the game whose impact will be remembered for generations to come.
