Bruins Nation lost a legend today. In a post issued by the NBA Communications office, the league announced that Bill Walton passed away on Monday.
Playing for the Bruins from 1971-1974, Walton won two NCAA national championships in 1972 and 1973 while being named a three-time national player of the year. The first-overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft, Walton won two NBA Titles with the Portland Trail Blazers and Boston Celtics and the NBA Most Valuable Player award in 1979. Inducted into both the NBA and NCAA Hall of Fame, Walton was an icon both on and off the court.
Known for his acting in commercials, TV, and movies, as well as his die-hard love for the Grateful Dead, Walton is an icon for the Bruins, who will be dearly missed.
Most recently, a commentator for ESPN’s college basketball coverage, Walton’s name and number also hang in the rafters, with his number 32 jersey retired in Westwood.