Chet Walker facts for kids
Walker in 1975
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 22, 1940 Bethlehem, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Died | June 8, 2024 (aged 84) |
| High school | Benton Harbor (Benton Harbor, Michigan) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) |
| Listed weight | 212 lb (96 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Bradley (1959–1962) |
| NBA Draft | 1962 / Round: 2 / Pick: 12th overall |
| Selected by the Syracuse Nationals | |
| Pro career | 1962–1975 |
| Career history | |
| 1962–1969 | Syracuse Nationals / Philadelphia 76ers |
| 1969–1975 | Chicago Bulls |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Career statistics | |
| Points | 18,831 (18.2 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 7,314 (7.1 rpg) |
| Assists | 2,126 (2.1 apg) |
Chester "Chet" Walker (born February 22, 1940 – died June 8, 2024) was an American professional basketball player. He played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 13 seasons. Chet was a seven-time NBA All-Star and helped the Philadelphia 76ers win an NBA championship in 1967. His speed and quick moves on the court earned him the nickname "Chet the Jet."
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Early Life and College
Chet Walker was born in Bethlehem, Mississippi. He played high school basketball at Benton Harbor High School in Michigan. After high school, he went to Bradley University. When he graduated in 1962, he was the school's all-time leading scorer. His college team, the Bradley Braves, won the NIT Championship twice, in 1957 and 1960.
NBA Career Highlights
Chet Walker was chosen by the Syracuse Nationals in the 1962 NBA draft. He quickly showed his talent and was named to the NBA's first NBA All-Rookie Team in 1963. After his first year, the team moved to Philadelphia and became the Philadelphia 76ers.
Winning a Championship
Chet was a key player for the 76ers. He was chosen for the NBA All-Star Game seven times during his career. In the 1966–67 season, he averaged over 19 points and eight rebounds per game. That year, the 76ers had an amazing record, winning 68 games and losing only 13. This was the best record in NBA history at that time!
The team, coached by Alex Hannum, included famous players like Wilt Chamberlain, Hal Greer, Wali Jones, and Billy Cunningham. They ended the Boston Celtics' eight-year winning streak and won the NBA championship in 1967.
Time with the Chicago Bulls
After his time with the 76ers, Chet played his last six seasons with the Chicago Bulls. He continued to be a strong scorer, never averaging less than 19.2 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. Over his 13-year career, Chet scored a total of 18,831 points. He was also known for being a great free-throw shooter. In the 1970–71 season, he led the NBA in free-throw accuracy, making 85.9% of his shots. On February 6, 1972, Chet scored a career-high 56 points in a game against the Cincinnati Royals. This was a team record for the Bulls at the time.
Hall of Fame
On February 24, 2012, Chet Walker was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. This is a very special honor for basketball players. He was officially welcomed into the Hall of Fame on September 7, 2012, in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Life After Basketball
After retiring from basketball, Chet Walker became a successful TV movie producer. He also wrote a book about his life called Long Time Coming: A Black Athlete's Coming-of-Age in America (1995). He even appeared in an episode of the TV show The White Shadow, playing a former teammate of Coach Ken Reeves.
Chet Walker passed away on June 8, 2024, at the age of 84.
See also
In Spanish: Chet Walker para niños
- List of National Basketball Association career free throw scoring leaders
