NBA Hall of Famer and former Chicago Bulls star, Chet Walker, died at the age of 84. Walker’s death was reported on June 8, 2024, in Long Beach, California. Across his 13-season professional career, Walker established a reputation as one of the NBA’s most skilled players.
Originally hailing from Mississippi, Walker was raised in Michigan. He attended Benton Harbor High School where he led his basketball team to state championships. Following his high school success, he went on to Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, scoring a record 1,975 points and becoming the school’s highest scorer ever. His talents earned him All-American honors twice and led the Bradley Braves to a National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championship in 1960.
Walker started his professional career with the Syracuse Nationals after they selected him in the second round of the 1962 NBA Draft. He made an immediate impact, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Team. When the Nationals moved to Philadelphia and rebranded as the 76ers, Walker continued to thrive. Alongside Wilt Chamberlain, he played a vital role in the 76ers’ 1967 NBA championship victory over the Boston Celtics and San Francisco Warriors.
In 1969, Walker was traded to the Chicago Bulls where he spent six seasons, averaging 20.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. His consistent scoring helped the Bulls reach the playoffs each year he was with the team. Of note, he scored a career-high 56 points in a 1972 game against the Cincinnati Royals, setting a franchise record that stood until Michael Jordan surpassed it in 1987.
Walker’s influence was felt beyond his on-court contributions. As the Bulls’ representative to the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), he played a significant role in challenging the NBA-ABA merger and the league’s reserve clause, which limited player movement. His efforts helped lead to the establishment of free agency for players.
Walker retired from professional basketball in 1975 and embarked on a successful career as a producer in Los Angeles. His most notable production is the Emmy-winning TV series “A Mother’s Courage,” inspired by the life of Mary, the mother of Isiah Thomas.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport, Walker was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012. More recently, he was honored in the Chicago Bulls’ inaugural Ring of Honor class in 2023.
Bradley University and the larger basketball community are mourning the loss of Chet “The Jet” Walker. Dr. Chris Reynolds, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics at Bradley University, expressed his condolences, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Chet Walker. Chet’s remarkable achievements on and off the court have profoundly influenced Bradley University, college basketball, the NBA, and the Greater Peoria community.”
Walker’s legacy includes numerous records and achievements that inspire future generations of basketball players. He holds the record for career double-doubles at Bradley University with 54. His 1,975 career points still rank fourth on the school’s all-time scoring list. Both Bradley University and the Chicago Bulls retired his No. 31 jersey in honor of his contributions.
Walker’s journey from humble beginnings in Bethlehem, Mississippi, where he was the youngest of 10 children and grew up in a home without indoor plumbing or electricity, to NBA stardom is a testament to his resilience and talent.
Walker’s NBA career boasts impressive statistics: 18,831 points, 7,314 rebounds, and 2,126 assists over 1,032 regular-season games. He had a shooting accuracy of nearly 80% from the free throw line and 47% from the field. His dedication and consistent performance earned him seven NBA All-Star selections.
Chet Walker’s remarkable accomplishments, significant contributions to basketball, and advocacy for players’ rights will be remembered by the basketball community, fans, and teammates alike. His impact will continue to be celebrated long after his passing.