Former Chicago Bulls player Chet Walker has passed away at the age of 84 after a prolonged illness, according to NBA.com. Walker died on June 8.
The Bulls released a statement expressing their sorrow over Walker’s death: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Chet Walker, a legendary figure in our team’s history. An inductee of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Chet left an indelible mark on the court and in the hearts of fans. During his six seasons with the Bulls from 1969 to 1975, the team never missed the playoffs. He was a seven-time NBA All-Star and an inaugural member of the Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor. His skill, dedication, and contributions to the game made a lasting impact on the sport of basketball and the city of Chicago.”
Walker, renowned for his scoring prowess, is among the all-time franchise leaders in shooting, free throws, field goals made and attempted, total points, and scoring average. Aside from Michael Jordan, he holds the record for the most points scored in a Bulls game with 56. Walker won an NBA championship in 1976 while playing with the Philadelphia 76ers alongside Wilt Chamberlain. He was a seven-time All-Star, including four times with the Bulls.
Chet Walker attended Bradley University, where he became the school’s all-time leading scorer and earned the nickname “Chet the Jet.” He was drafted by the Syracuse Nationals in 1962 and moved with the team to Philadelphia when they became the 76ers in 1963. He played with the 76ers until 1969, after which he joined the Chicago Bulls, remaining with them until 1975. Walker was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame on September 7, 2012.
Earlier this year, he was honored in the inaugural Chicago Ring of Honor alongside Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and Phil Jackson, among others.
