Bill Walton dies at 71: Barack Obama, Larry Bird, Stephen A Smith and more pay tribute to NBA Hall of Famer after battle with cancer

Tributes are pouring in for NBA hall of famer and legendary commentator, Bill Walton, after he died at 71 following a cancer battle. 

SportsCenter's Stephen A Smith penned an emotional tribute to the late athlete, after news of his passing was revealed Monday. 

'Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of my buddy, Bill Walton. His game was ahead of its time, truly one of the greatest big men who ever played,' the TV personality wrote on X.

'Yet, nothing compared to his passion and love of life, itself. I can hear him now imploring me to “smile……cherish everyday…..we’re all the luckiest ppl on earth.” R.I.P. my guy. Miss you already.'

Walton's former Boston Celtics teammate and good friend Larry Bird released a statement after his death, insisting he will be 'sorely missed' while offering his condolences to his family.

NBA hall of famer and legendary commentator, Bill Walton, sadly lost his battle with cancer 

Walton's former Boston Celtics teammate Larry Bird released a statement after his death. Pictured: Walton, Bird and Robert Parish (left to right) on the Celtics bench in 1987

'I am very sorry about my good friend, Bill Walton,' Bird said. 'I love him as a friend and teammate. It was a thrill for me to play with my childhood idol and together we earned an NBA Championship in 1986. He is one of the greatest ever to play the game.

'I am sure that all of my teammates are as grateful as I am that we were able to know Bill, he was such a joy to know and he will be sorely missed. My family and I extend our sincere condolences to the Walton family.'

Former US President Barack Obama took to social media to pay his respects to Walton, branding him 'one of the greatest basketball players of all time'.

'Bill Walton was one of the greatest basketball players of all time – a champion at every level and the embodiment of unselfish team play,' Obama wrote. 

'He was also a wonderful spirit full of curiosity, humor and kindness. We are poorer for his passing, and Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family.'

Fellow NBA legend, Julius Erving, also shared a snap of himself with Walton.

'I am sad today hearing that my comrade & one of the sports worlds most beloved champions & characters has passed,' he wrote on X. 

'Bill Walton enjoyed life in every way. To compete against him & to work with him was a blessing in my life. Sorry for your loss Walton family. We’ll miss him too. Doc.' 

'R.I.P. my guy. Miss you already,' Stephen A Smith captioned a post on X Monday

Former US President Barack Obama took to social media to pay his respects to Walton

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar also paid tribute to his fellow basketball legend after hearing of the news, sharing a photo of the two of them together on social media along with an emotional message.

'My very close friend, fellow Bruin, and NBA rival Bill Walton died today. And the world feels so much heavier now,' the six-time NBA champion said.

'On the court, Bill was a fierce player, but off the court he wasn't happy unless he did everything he could to make everyone around him happy.

'He was the best of us.'

Walton was a two-time NBA champion, winning one title with the Portland Trail Blazers and another with the Boston Celtics.

He also had strong ties to the Southern California region, having won three consecutive national college player of the year awards between 1972 and 1974 and two NCAA titles with the UCLA Bruins. 

'To compete against him & to work with him was a blessing in my life,' Julius Erving wrote

Walton was a college basketball star, winning two NCAA titles with the UCLA Bruins

He later played for the Los Angeles Clippers, who shared a tribute to the star center. 

'We have lost one of the greatest players and personalities that this franchise, this sport and this region have ever known,' the statement began. 

'Bill Walton is synonymous with Southern California basketball: a San Diego native, a UCLA phenom, a Clipper icon. He defined the game as a player, a broadcaster and an ambassador, spreading joy for generations. Wherever he went, whatever he did, Big Red stood above the crowd. The Clippers organization extends our deepest condolences to the Walton family, as well as our utmost gratitude. Bill was a singular force, and we were privileged to know him.' 

The Celtics also posted a tribute to their former player, sharing a statement about his ability to 'do it all.' 

'He was of one of the greatest passing big men in league history. He derived great joy from basketball and music, and deeply cherished his moments with teammates and friends,' the statement read. 

After his playing career, he moved into the commentary box and won a Sports Emmy in 1991

'As a Celtic, Bill overcame years of debilitating injuries, regained his zest for the game, and helped guide the 1986 Boston Celtics championship with both his play and his spirit.' 

Walton, who was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1993, was larger than life, both on the court and off. 

After retiring, he overcame a stutter to thrive on the microphone, winning a Sports Emmy in 1991 and being named one of the top 50 sports broadcasters of all-time in 2009.

He is survived by his wife Lori and sons Adam, Nate, Luke and Chris.