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The basketball world has lost a real icon with the death of Walter Davis. He was a University of North Carolina basketball great and recognized NBA standout, who passed away at the age of 69 due to “natural causes”. Even Michael Jordan, a six-time NBA champion and one of the greatest basketball players of all time, once looked up to another individual for motivation on his path to success.

Surprisingly, Jordan found inspiration in Walter Davis, recognizing that even the finest require their own source of drive to attain ambitious goals. However, the demise of this legend has left the whole NBA and fans in shock. And the fans are, however, showing their love for the legend on social media.

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Who was Walter Davis?

Walter Davis was a two-time All-ACC selection in 1976 and 1977, displaying his outstanding talents and leadership on the floor. During his tenure at North Carolina, he was instrumental in the team’s success, helping them win the ACC tournament and get to the NCAA championship game. His accomplishments reflected his talent, effort, and the guidance of famous coach Dean Smith. Davis scored 1,863 points while grabbing 670 rebounds and dishing out 409 assists throughout his collegiate career.

He even had the honor of representing the United States on the men’s basketball team in the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Davis and the squad won the gold medal under the direction of his former college coach, Dean Smith, a moment that eternally inscribed his name in Olympic history. Following his collegiate career, the Phoenix Suns picked Walter Davis as the fifth overall choice in the 1977 NBA Draft.

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His adjustment to the professional league was nothing short of spectacular, winning him Rookie of the Year honors for the 1977-78 season. Davis became a six-time NBA All-Star throughout his 15-year NBA career, a tribute to his remarkable talent and contributions to the game. He has worn the jerseys of the Phoenix Suns, Denver Nuggets, and Portland Trail Blazers over the years. Before retiring in 1992, he made it to two All-NBA teams and averaged an astounding 18.9 points on 51.1 percent shooting, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. Thats why his passing marks the end of an era, making the entire basketball community emotional.

Fans pay their respect to the basketball legend

Walter Davis had an incalculable effect on the basketball floor. His career consisted of incredible accomplishments and unforgettable events. The University of North Carolina confirmed his death, leaving the basketball community and fans throughout the world in sadness. Many fans left messages for the legend and paid tribute to him.

One fan got emotional and wrote,

Another fan paid his respects to the legend and said,

One fan paid respect to the legend’s family as they are the one who will be suffering the most. He wrote,

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One fan even remembered Davis play and said,

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We will remember Walter Davis for his contributions on the basketball floor and for inspiring numerous sportsmen and spectators alike. His demise signals the end of an era, but his legacy will live on, reminding us of the quality he represented and the passion he had for the game of basketball.

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