Chet Walker, a celebrated Hall of Famer who played for the Chicago Bulls, has passed away at the age of 84. Walker died on June 8, 2024, in Long Beach, California. His 13-season career in the NBA where he showcased his exceptional basketball skills has left a significant imprint on the sport.
Walker was born in Mississippi and raised in Michigan, and he led his high school team, Benton Harbor High School, to the state championship game. He furthered his basketball career at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, where he became the school’s highest scorer with 1,975 points. Walker’s impressive collegiate career earned him two consensus All-American honors and helped Bradley University secure a National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championship in 1960.
Walker started his professional career with the Syracuse Nationals, who drafted him in the second round of the 1962 NBA Draft. His performance earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Team. When the Nationals moved to Philadelphia and became the 76ers, Walker remained a valuable player, particularly playing alongside Wilt Chamberlain. In 1967, he and the 76ers won the NBA championship by defeating the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals and the San Francisco Warriors in the Finals.
In 1969, after seven seasons with the 76ers, Walker was traded to the Chicago Bulls. During his six seasons with the Bulls, Walker averaged 20.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. A reliable scorer, Walker consistently led the Bulls to the playoffs every year he was with the team. In a 1972 game against the Cincinnati Royals, Walker scored a career-high 56 points, a franchise record that stood until Michael Jordan surpassed it in 1987.
Walker’s influence was felt beyond his on-court accomplishments. As the Bulls’ representative to the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), Walker played a crucial role in challenging the NBA-ABA merger and the league’s reserve clause, which limited player movement. His efforts contributed to the eventual establishment of free agency for players.
After retiring from professional basketball in 1975, Walker pursued a successful career as a producer in Los Angeles. His most notable work includes the Emmy-winning TV series “A Mother’s Courage,” which is based on the life of Mary, the mother of Isiah Thomas.
In recognition of his significant 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.
The passing of Chet “The Jet” Walker has deeply affected Bradley University and the basketball community at large. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Chet Walker,” said Dr. Chris Reynolds, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics at Bradley University. “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 continues to inspire future generations of basketball players. He remains the leader in career double-doubles with 54 at Bradley University, and his 1,975 career points still rank fourth on the school’s all-time scoring list. Both Bradley University and the Chicago Bulls have retired his No. 31 jersey, further solidifying his legacy.
Walker, the youngest of 10 children, was born in Bethlehem, Mississippi. Despite facing significant adversity, including growing up in a house without indoor plumbing or electricity, Walker’s relentless pursuit of excellence took him from humble beginnings to becoming an NBA legend.
Walker’s NBA career statistics demonstrate his dedication and skill: 18,831 points, 7,314 rebounds, and 2,126 assists over 1,032 regular-season games. He displayed a shooting accuracy of nearly 80% from the free throw line and 47% from the field. His consistency and performance earned him seven NBA All-Star selections and a place among the sport’s greats.
Chet Walker will be remembered in the basketball world for his outstanding achievements, his contributions to the sport, and his advocacy for players’ rights. His legacy will be celebrated by fans, teammates, and the countless individuals he has influenced throughout his career.