Long before Michael Jordan arrived on the scene in Windy City, there was Walker, who played six seasons for the Bulls from 1969 to 1975. During his time with the Bulls, Walker averaged 20.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists through 474 games while shooting 47.0 percent from the field.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Chet Walker, a legendary figure in our team’s history,” the Bulls said in a statement shared on X (the social media platform formerly called Twitter).

“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.”

A ven-time NBA All-Star, Walker played a biseg — if not the biggest — role in the Bulls’ competitive years in the 1970s. Chicago appeared in the playoffs each year during Chet Walker’s tenure with the team. Acquired by Chicago via a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers, Walker led the Bulls in Win Shares in every season he wore Chicago threads. Perhaps his best Bulls season was in the 1971-72 campaign where he averaged 22.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting a career-high 50.5 percent from the field. His 14.5 Win Shares that season was the best of his career. That’s higher than the best single-season Win Shares of the likes of Rick Barry, Dominique Wilkins, and John Havlicek to name a few.

Walker entered the NBA in 1962 when the Syracuse Nationals took him in that year’s NBA Draft. He continued to be with the team even after the Nationals franchise became the Philadelphia 76ers. He also won a title with the 76ers alongside Hal Greer and Wilt Chamberlain in 1967, finishing second among 76ers players in the title series against the San Francisco Warriors with 23.3 points per game while grabbing 8.8 boards per contest.

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