A legend for each the Bulls and 76ers has handed away this weekend. Chet Walker, who went on to turn into a seven-time NBA All-Star, has handed away on the age of 84. The Jet, as he was well-known throughout his time as an expert, has died for causes nonetheless unknown, because the police haven’t revealed the reason for his demise but.
Each his former groups have posted emotional statements on Saturday night time, simply because the information of his passing away had surfaced on-line. “We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Chet Walker, a legendary determine in our crew’s historical past,” the Chicago crew wrote.
“An inductee of the Naismith Basketball Corridor of Fame, Chet left an indelible mark on the court docket and within the hearts of followers. Throughout his six seasons with the Bulls from 1969 to 1975, the crew by no means missed the playoffs,” the assertion continued.
Relaxation In Peace Chet Walker 💔Anybody who brings a championship to Philly is ceaselessly a legend pic.twitter.com/o0wRNJpZIg
— SixersShowYo (@SixersShowYo) June 9, 2024
The Bulls acknowledged that issues for the franchise began to show round when he arrived in Illinois. “He was a seven-time NBA All-Star and an inaugural member of the Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor,” they added. “His ability, dedication and contributions to the sport made an enduring influence on the game of basketball and the town of Chicago.
“We lengthen our heartfelt condolences to his household, buddies and all who have been touched by his legacy. Chet Walker will ceaselessly be remembered as a real Chicago Bulls icon.”
The Sixers additionally acknowledged Walker’s path by their franchise and celebrated his life with one other submit on the crew’s social media. “Chet Walker spent the primary 7 seasons of his Corridor of Fame profession with our franchise & delivered a championship in ’67,” it reads.
“Affectionately nicknamed ‘The Jet,’ Walker made a profound influence in our metropolis & inside our League. Our condolences exit to the Walker household & their buddies,” the crew posted in an announcement.
Chet was first drafted by the Syracuse Nationals in 1962, however Philadelphia would snatch and commerce him to turn into his first crew within the league. It might be there the place he received the 1967 NBA Finals, in a 4-2 triumph towards the San Francisco Warriors.
His former Bulls supervisor acknowledged his contribution to determine Chicago as a viable metropolis for skilled basketball
In line with Pat Williams, who served because the Bulls’ Common Supervisor throughout Chet’s time on the membership, acknowledged his influence in Chicago. A while in the past, the manager defined why Chet’s contribution helped set up the town as a viable vacation spot for skilled basketball.
“The game hadn’t made it in Chicago going again many years they usually have been once more seeking to transfer the crew,” he stated, because the membership’s regular-season victory whole grew from 33 to 51 inside two campaigns alongside Walker. “However when Chet obtained there, every part modified.”
Billy Cunningham, who was one in every of his former teammates and presenters at his 2012 Naismith Memorial Basketball Corridor of Fame induction ceremony, shared what it felt to play alongside The Jet.
“He was sluggish — you have been sluggish, Chet — however you simply couldn’t cease the person,” stated the Sixers icon. “He simply took you to the spot on the court docket, faked you, went up over you, took it to the opening, or somebody was open and he’d discover the open man.”
