Here are some of the leaders, newsmakers, sports legends and entertainment greats who have died so far this year.
Walton was a familiar face to basketball fans for more than half a century, first as a star player and later as a sportscaster.
"Bill Walton was truly one of a kind. As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the center position. His unique all-around skills made him a dominant force at UCLA and led to an NBA regular-season and Finals MVP, two NBA championships and a spot on the NBA's 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams," Silver said in the statement.
In 1977 and 1986, he went on with the Trail Blazers and Boston Celtics, respectively, to win the NBA championship. His original jersey, No. 32, was retired by the Trail Blazers when he left the team in 1979.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Bill Walton, UCLA great, NBA Hall of Famer, broadcasting star, dies at age 71At UCLA, Walton was a three-time National Player of the Year. In the NBA, he won the MVP in the 1977-78 season, and was a two-time champion.
Read more »
NBA legend Bill Walton has died from cancer at 71, the league announcedBill Walton won two NBA championships before moving to the broadcast booth
Read more »
Former NBA Star Bill Walton Dead at Age 71 Following Cancer BattleFormer NBA star and Hall of Famer Bill Walton died on May 27 at age 71 following a cancer battle
Read more »
Bill Walton, Two-Time NBA Champion, Dies of Cancer At 71Liz Calvario is a Los Angeles-based reporter and editor for TODAY.com who covers entertainment, pop culture and trending news.
Read more »
NBA great Bill Walton dead at 71: ‘He redefined the center position’The basketball analyst and former player had a prolonged battle with cancer.
Read more »
Bill Walton, NBA Legend and Basketball Hall of Famer, dies at 71Bill Walton, a two-time NBA champion and basketball Hall of Famer, died of cancer at age 71.
Read more »