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.
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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.
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Bill Walton, UCLA legend, NBA star and Pac-12 advocate, dies at age 71Bill Walton, who helped UCLA win national titles during John Wooden's career and later won two NBA titles, has died following a cancer battle.
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NBA Legend Bill Walton Dead at 71Bill Walton -- the NBA legend who delighted fans for decades both on the court and in the commentary booth -- has died, according to the NBA.
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NBA Great Bill Walton Passed Away Monday After A Long Battle With CancerTwo-time NBA champion and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Bill Walton passed away today at the age of 71 following a prolonged battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family.
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New York Knicks Foe, NBA Legend Bill Walton Passes AwayNBA legend and former New York Knicks opponent Bill Walton passed away.
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NBA Media and Fans React to the Death of Bill WaltonWalton was a legend during his playing days and later as an announcer.
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