Chet Walker dead at 84: NBA mourns ‘The Jet’ as tributes pour in

• Chet Walker’s death was confirmed by his two NBA teams on Saturday night
• The 84-year-old Walker won the 1967 NBA title with the Philadelphia 76ers 

Chet Walker, a seven-time NBA All-Star best known for his time with Chicago Bulls, has died at 84.

A cause of death is not yet known. The Bulls posted an emotional statement on social media on Saturday night, saying: ‘We are deeply saddened by the passing of Chet Walker, a legendary figure in our team’s history. 

‘An inductee of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Chet left an indelible mark on the court and in the hearts of fans. During his six seasons with the Bulls from 1969 to 1975, the team never missed the playoffs. 

‘He was a seven-time NBA All-Star and an inaugural member of the Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor. His skill, dedication and contributions to the game made a lasting impact on the sport of basketball and the city of Chicago. 

‘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.’

Another of his teams, the Philadelphia 76ers, said on X on Saturday night: ‘Chet Walker spent the first 7 seasons of his Hall of Fame career with our franchise & delivered a championship in ’67. 

‘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.’

Walker was drafted by the Syracuse Nationals in 1962, the team that would move to Philadelphia and become the 76ers. 

There, he would win the 1967 NBA Finals as his team emerged victorious over the San Francisco Warriors with a 4-2 triumph. 

That team ended the eight-year championship winning streak of the Boston Celtics after recording a then-record of 68 wins in the regular season.

He was traded to the Bulls in 1969 where he played until 1975 when his NBA career came to an end. 

Earlier this year, he was crowned part of the team’s first ring of honor alongside the likes of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman.