A legend for both the Bulls and the 76ers died this weekend. Chet Walker, a seven-time NBA All-Star, has passed away at the age of 84. The Jetas he was known when he was working, he died of unknown causes, as the police have not disclosed the cause of his death.
Both of his former teams posted emotional statements on Saturday night, as news of his passing surfaced online. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Chet Walker, our club historian,” the Chicago team wrote.
“A graduate of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Chet left an indelible mark on the court and in the hearts of the fans. In the six seasons he played for the Bulls from 1969 to 1975, this team never missed the playoffs,” the statement continued.
Rest In Peace Chet Walker 💔
Whoever brings a championship to Philly is a legend forever pic.twitter.com/o0wRNJpZIg– SixersShowYo (@SixersShowYo) June 9, 2024
The Bulls saw things for the franchise begin to change when he arrived in Illinois. “He was a seven-time NBA All-Star and the first member of the Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor,” they added. “His skill, dedication and contributions to the game have had a profound impact on the game of basketball and the city of Chicago.
“We express our condolences to his family, friends and all those who have been touched by his story. Chet Walker will always be remembered as a true Chicago Bulls icon. “
The Sixers also recognized Walker's path with their franchise and celebrated his life with another post on the team's social media. “Chet Walker spent the first 7 seasons of his Hall of Fame career with our franchise and launched a championship in '67,” it read.
“Affectionately nicknamed 'The Jet,' Walker has made a huge impact on our city and within our League. We extend our condolences to the Walker family and friends,” the team wrote in a statement.
Chet was drafted first by the Syracuse Nationals in 1962, but Philadelphia would snap up and trade him to his first team in the league. It would be there where he won the 1967 NBA Finals, in a 4-2 victory against the San Francisco Warriors.
His former Bulls boss acknowledged his role in establishing Chicago as a viable professional basketball city
According to Pat Williams, who served as the Bulls' General Manager during Chet's time at the club, he saw his contribution to Chicago. Earlier, the official explained why Chet's donation helped establish the city as a viable professional basketball destination.
“The game hasn't been successful in Chicago going back decades and they wanted to move the team,” he said, as the club's regular-season win total increased from 33 to 51 in two campaigns under Walker. “But when Chet got there, everything changed.”
Billy Cunningham, who was one of his teammates and presenters at his 2012 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony, shared what it feels like to play on the sideline. The Jet.
“He was slow – you be a little, Chet — but you just couldn't stop the man,” said the Sixers icon. “He just took you to the court area, faked you, climbed on top of you, took you to the pit, or someone was open and found a man who was open.
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