Seven-time All-Star forward Chet Walker, who played for the Philadelphia 76ers and the Chicago Bulls, died on June 8 at the age of 84.
The National Basketball Players Association (NBA) confirmed Walker’s death on its website. Shortly after his death was announced, the 76ers, Bulls, and National Basketball Retired Players Association extended their condolences on social media.
The NBA reposted a short video in the memory of the legendary player on social media platform X.
“The basketball community has lost a Legend. Our hearts are with the family, friends and fans of Chet Walker,” the association wrote on X.
“The Hall of Fame mourns the passing of Chet Walker. His contributions to the 76ers and the Bulls made him a 7-time All-Star and league champion. His free-throw accuracy was unparalleled and his memory will live on at the Hall,” as posted by the Hall of Fame.
“His skill, dedication and contributions to the game made a lasting impact on the sport of basketball and the city of Chicago,” the Bulls said in their statement.
“Chet Walker will forever be remembered as a true Chicago Bulls icon.”
A native of Mississippi, Mr. Walker attended high school in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He then went on to play college ball at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, where he played with the Braves as a two-time All-American and helped the team secure a win in the 1960 NIT championship with a formidable performance.
His No. 31 jersey was retired by the school in 1976.
His career started during the 1962-63 season when the 76ers were known as the Syracuse Nationals.
Mr. Walker played a total of 13 seasons with the NBA, with every one of the teams he played in qualifying for the playoffs each year. His career averaged 18.2 points and 7.1 rebounds throughout all his seasons. He also helped the 76ers win the 1967 NBA title. The team has credited Mr. Walker for “making a profound impact” on Philadelphia and the NBA.
Mr. Walker left the 76ers in September 1969 to join the Bulls. There, he teamed up with Bob Love to make the Bulls a strong contender for the championship. However, the two never reached the NBA Finals together.
Nicknamed “The Jet,” the 6-foot-7 was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012. In January, Mr Walker was part of Chicago’s inaugural class for its Ring of Honor.
He retired at the end of the 1974-75 season, marking the end of his career.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.