The Chicago Bulls are no stranger to star players. While recently, the team has struggled to find success on the court, the Bulls have a rich history of championships and great players. It is always sad when legends pass away and the Bull organization lost a legend this week. Hall of Famer Chet Walker passed away this week at the age of 84.
Chicago Bulls Chet Walker Passes Away At 84
Chet “The Jet” Walker was often overshadowed by other legends he shared the court with. When he was with the Philadelphia 76ers, he helped Wilt Chamberlain win the 1967 title. However, Walker was a star of his own making. He spent 13 seasons in the NBA and averaged 18.2 points and 7.1 rebounds. In every season he was in the NBA, his team made the playoffs. “His skill, dedication and contributions to the game made a lasting impact on the sport of basketball and the city of Chicago,” the Chicago Bulls organization said in a statement.
With the Bulls, Chet Walker averaged 20.6 points, and he and Bob Love gave Chicago a great one-two-scoring duo. They were never able to make it to the Finals together but they still will be remembered as some of the best scorers in team history. Walker was a part of the inaugural Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor class. He was also named to the Hall of Fame, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, and had his jersey retired by Bradley University.
Transition To Television And Movies
Chet Walker was not just a star for the Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers. After his playing career, he had a successful career as a producer. In 1979, his debut series was released called “Freedom Road,” which was a television mini-series about a former slave who rose to become a senator. He won an Emmy in the Outstanding Children’s Program for “A Mother’s Courage” which chronicled NBA legend Isiah Thomas’ mother. Walker talked about his transition to producing in a 1995 interview.
“It’s a difficult transition from the athletic to the so-called normal world,” Walker told The Los Angeles Times in 1995. “There’s an image that goes along with being an athlete, an image of not being intelligent, of being a dumb jock. Not dependable. It follows you out into the world. You have to prove yourself all over again.”
Too many athletes have great careers and then make the wrong kind of news after they retire. Chet Walker did the opposite. Not only did he play at a high level for the Chicago Bulls, he made impactful television programs after he was done. The NBA and the world lost a legend this week, but his impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
About The Author
Matt Brown is one of the owners at Total Apex. He has been writing about sports and entertainment for over two years and currently works as a banker in Wisconsin. His passion for sports and entertainment knows no bounds, but football is the sport he follows most closely. However, he is never afraid to branch out, and you will see him talk about anything sports with anyone who will listen. Being a former Disney Store cast member, he will talk your ear off on anything Disney.
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