Basketball legend Bill Waton passed suddenly on Monday at the age of 71, according to a devastating announcement made by the NBA.

Adam Silver made the following remarks in a statement that the NBA released:

“Bill Walton was a unique individual. As a member of the Hall of Fame, he revolutionized the center position. He was a formidable force at UCLA thanks to his special all-around abilities, which also earned him two NBA titles, a spot on the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams, and MVP honors in the regular season and playoffs. Bill then turned his contagious passion and love for the game into a broadcasting career, entertaining generations of basketball fans with his perceptive and colorful analysis.”

“But his zest for life is what I will remember most about him,” Silver continued. He was a frequent sight at league functions, always cheerful, beaming from ear to ear, and eager to impart his warmth and wisdom. I loved our close friendship, was envious of his endless energy, and appreciated the time he spent getting to know everyone.”

“As a cherished member of the NBA family for 50 years, Bill will be deeply missed by all those who can to know and love him,” Silver concluded with a message for Walton’s family. My sincere sympathies go out to Bill’s wife Lori, his sons Adam, Nate, Luke, and Chris, as well as his numerous friends and coworkers.”

Around the basketball world, tributes like this have been flooding in, including one from Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors:

Walton was a cherished basketball icon whose contributions to the sport, both on and off the court, would live on in history.