NBA Players Union announced the death of Chet Walker, a seven-time All-Star, at the age of 84. Known as “The Jet” for his speed, he is one of the greatest players in Bulls history.
Chosen by the Syracuse Nationals in the 1962 Draft, he followed the team when it moved to Philadelphia to become the Sixers. It was under the colors of Philly, in 1967, that he won his only NBA title, during an exceptional season.
With Wilt Chamberlain, Hal Greer, Billy Cunningham and Chet Walker, the Sixers won 68 victories in the regular season, and above all they put an end to the domination of the Celtics who remained on eight titles in a row!
In 1969, the Sixers traded Chet Walker to the Bulls, and he joined Bob Love, Jerry Sloan and Norm Van Lier to put the Bulls on the NBA map. In his 13-year career, he averaged 18.2 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. Among players drafted in 1962, only John Havlicek had more career wins than Chet Walker.
Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012, he was part of the Bulls' first crop of Ring Of Honor alongside Phil Jackson, Jerry Krause, Artis Gilmore, Jerry Sloan, Toni Kukoc, Bob Love, Johnny “Red” Kerr, Tex Winter , Dick Klein, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman.
