NBA champion and Basketball Hall of Fame forward Chet “The Jet” Walker has died, the National Basketball Players’ Association announced. He was 84.
“The basketball community has lost a Legend,” the NBPA said in a Tweet posted Saturday. “Our hearts are with the family, friends and fans of Chet Walker. #LegendsForever.”
Walker played 13 seasons in the NBA from 1962 to 1975 after he was drafted out of Bradley University by the Syracuse Nationals in the second round of the 1962 NBA Draft. He played his rookie season for the Nationals, making the 1962-63 NBA All-Rookie team, and followed the franchise when it moved to Philadelphia as the renamed 76ers the following season.
A 6-foot-7 forward known for his speed, “The Jet” earned three NBA All-Star selections in his seven seasons with the Nationals/76ers. He also helped lead Philadelphia to winning the 1967 NBA Championship alongside teammates and Basketball Hall of Famers Wilt Chamberlain, Hal Greer and Billy Cunningham.
Walker was traded to the Chicago Bulls in September 1969. He played his final six NBA seasons for the Bulls, making four All-Star appearances. He retired following the 1974-75 NBA season, with his teams having made the playoffs in each of his 13 NBA seasons. For his career, Walker averaged 18.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 32.4 minutes across 1,032 games. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.
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Both the 76ers and Bulls issued statements recognizing Walker’s death and his impact on their franchises.
“Chet Walker spent the first 7 seasons of his Hall of Fame career with our franchise & delivered a championship in ‘67,” the 76ers said in a Tweet. “Affectionately nicknamed ‘The Jet,’ Walker made a profound impact in our city & within our League. Our condolences go out to the Walker family & their friends.”
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Chet Walker, a legendary figure in our team’s history,” the Bulls said in a Tweet. “An inductee of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Chet left an indelible mark on the court and in the hearts of fans.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all who were touched by his legacy. Chet Walker will forever be remembered as a true Chicago Bulls icon,” the Bulls’ statement added.
