Larry Bird makes a moving message over the death of Bill Walton.
On Monday, the NBA lost Bill Walton, a renowned player and charismatic figure, at the age of 71.
Walton, a two-time NBA champion who shared a championship with the Boston Celtics in 1986, lost his fight with cancer after a protracted illness. Many people lamented the passing of one of sports’ most adored figures on social media.
Among others who shared a remark on Walton’s passing was legendary NBA player Larry Bird. From ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, here is what he said about his former teammate:
“I sincerely apologize for Bill Walton, a close friend of mine. He’s a great buddy and teammate. Playing alongside my boyhood hero gave me great joy, and in 1986 we won an NBA Championship together. He is among the best players to have ever played the game. Bill was a pleasure to know and will be much missed. I know that all of my teammates are as thankful as I am that we had the opportunity to get to know him. I send the Walton family our deepest sympathies, along with my family.
Bird and Walton collaborated on two seasons (1985–86 and 1986–87). Walton assisted Boston in winning the ’86 championship, earning him the NBA Sixth Man of the Year honor.
Before Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, who was also a member of the 1986 Celtics squad, thought back on Walton’s legacy.
“I just wanted to mention with the passing of Walton today, how much he meant to me and so many people that I’m close to,” Carlisle said. “I’ve been on a text message thread with our [Celtics] ’86 team, and some of the memories are just beyond priceless.”
1993 saw Walton’s induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame. He was a two-time All-Star (1977, 1978), two-time All-Defensive selection (1977, 1978), Finals MVP (1977), league MVP (1978), and an All-NBA First Team selection (1978) in addition to his two NBA titles and Sixth Man award.
