Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, Bill Walton,  has died at the age of 71 following a prolonged battle with cancer, the National Basketball Association (NBA) announced in a statement on Monday.

“Two-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,” the NBA.

Walton, regarded as one of the greatest centres to play basketball ever, won basketball titles from High School till professional level. He won two state championships with Helix High in La Mesa, California and two NCAA titles at UCLA as a collegiate player.

During his professional years, he won two NBA championships, one with the Portland Trail Blazers in 1977 and one with the Boston Celtics in 1986. He was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 1993.

Walton was inducted into the National High School Sports Hall of Fame in 1997 and the NBA named him one of the Top 50 players of all time in the same year.

Reacting to the news of Walton’s demise, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said, “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,” Mr Silver said.

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