Bill Walton, basketball Hall of Famer and vibrant commentator, passes away from cancer at 71

Basketball icon Bill Walton, who guided the UCLA Bruins to two championships and secured two NBA titles throughout his career has passed away at 71 years old.

Reportedly Walton passed away on Monday in the presence of his family as stated by the NBA.

The league reported that Walton had been battling cancer for a prolonged period.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver expressed " Bill Walton was truly an individual."

Walton, a champion, at UCLA and a three time recipient of the player of the year award was selected as the top pick in the 1974 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. He led them to their NBA championship in 1977. Walton earned recognition as league MVP in 1977 78 and Sixth Man of the Year in 1985 86 clinching another title in 1986 with the Boston Celtics.

Following his time on court Walton transitioned into a sports commentator known for his analysis.

He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.