‘Truly one of a kind’: Bill Walton, key member of 1986 Celtics championship team, dies at 71

Bill Walton BOSTON, MA - APRIL 13: Member of the Boston Celtics 1986 Championship team Bill Walton is honored at halftime of the game between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat at TD Garden on April 13, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) (Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)

Bill Walton BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 08: Former Boston Celtics player Bill Walton cheers with fans in the third quarter during Game Three of the 2022 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors at TD Garden on June 08, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Boston Celtics won 116-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Bill Walton BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 10: Former Boston Celtics player Bill Walton waves to fans in the crowd in the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)

Bill Walton LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 10: Sportscaster and former NBA player Bill Walton (L) and sportscaster Ted Robinson broadcast a game between the UCLA Bruins and the Washington State Cougars during the Pac-12 Conference basketball tournament quarterfinals at T-Mobile Arena on March 10, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bruins defeated the Cougars 75-65. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Bill Walton LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 19: Sportscaster and former NBA player Bill Walton stands as the American national anthem is performed before broadcasting the Pac-12 Coast-to-Coast Challenge between the Texas Longhorns and the Stanford Cardinal at T-Mobile Arena on December 19, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Longhorns defeated the Cardinal 60-53. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Bill Walton LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 18: Bill Walton attends the NBA All-Star Game 2018 at Staples Center on February 18, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Bill Walton SCOTTSDALE, AZ - APRIL 02: Bill Walton autographs a basketball during the 2017 Naismith Awards Brunch at the Grayhawk Golf Club on April 2, 2017 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) (Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)

Bill Walton AUSTIN, TEXAS - MARCH 15: Bill Walton takes part in a Q&A following "The Luckiest Guy in the World" world premiere during 2023 SXSW Conference and Festivals at Austin Convention Center on March 15, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for SXSW) (Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for SXSW)

Bill Walton CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 13: (L-R) Basketball player Bill Walton and wife Lori Walton attend the Fulfillment Fund's Spring Fundraising Celebration Honoring UCLA at Sony Pictures Studios on April 13, 2019 in Culver City, California. (Photo by John Sciulli/Getty Images for Fulfillment Fund) (John Sciulli/Getty Images for Fulfillment Fun)

Bill Walton Guard Byron Scott of the Los Angeles Lakers (left) goes up for a layup past center Bill Walton of the Boston Celtics during the Celtics versus the Lakers at the Forum in Inglewood, California. (Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Bill Walton BOSTON, MA - APRIL 13: Former Boston Celtics Kevin McHale and Bill Walton look on in the first quarter between the Celtics and the Miami Heat at TD Garden on April 13, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) (Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)

Bill Walton LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 08: Sportscaster and former NBA player Bill Walton poses before broadcasting a first-round game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament between the Oregon State Beavers and the Arizona State Sun Devils at T-Mobile Arena on March 08, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Bill Walton LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 06: NBA Legend Bill Walton addresses the fans prior to a moment of silence in memory of the late John Wooden, who coached Walton at UCLA duringhis college career before the Boston Celtics play against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Two of the 2010 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 6, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images) (Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)

Bill Walton BOSTON, MA - APRIL 13: Members of the Boston Celtics 1986 championship team Kevin McHale, Bill Walton and Danny Ainge are honored at halftime of the game between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat at TD Garden on April 13, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) (Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)

Bill Walton LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 11: Sportscaster and former NBA player Bill Walton attends a game between the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins during the Pac-12 Conference basketball tournament semifinals at T-Mobile Arena on March 11, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bruins defeated the Trojans 69-59. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

By Frank O'Laughlin

BOSTON — Bill Walton, an NBA Hall of Famer who played a key role on the 1986 Boston Celtics championship team, died Monday at the age of 71 following a prolonged battle with cancer.

Walton was surrounded by his family at the time of his death, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed in a statement.

“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. “Bill then translated his infectious enthusiasm and love for the game to broadcasting, where he delivered insightful and colorful commentary that entertained generations of basketball fans.”

Walton appeared in 80 games for the Celtics in 1986, winning the 6th Man of the Year award. The Celtics finished that season 67-15, ultimately defeating the Houston Rockets four games to two in the NBA Finals to win their 16th NBA championship.

Boston Celtics said in a statement that Walton “overcame years of debilitating injuries, regained his zest for the game, and helped guide the 1986 championship with both his play and his spirit.”

“Bill Walton was one of the most consequential players of his era. A Hall of Famer, Most Valuable Player, and two-time NBA Champion, Walton could do it all, possessing great timing, complete vision of the floor, excellent fundamentals, and was of one of the greatest passing big men in league history,” said the Celtics team. “He derived great joy from basketball and music and deeply cherished his moments with teammates and friends.”

Walton played for the Portland Trailblazers and the then-San Diego Clippers before making the move to Boston, where he played two seasons.

Silver added, “What I will remember most about him was his zest for life. He was a regular presence at league events - always upbeat, smiling ear to ear, and looking to share his wisdom and warmth. I treasured our close friendship, envied his boundless energy, and admired the time he took with every person he encountered.”

Walton leaves behind his wife, Lori, and his sons Adam, Nate, Luke, and Chris.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW