Hall of Fame center Walt Bellamy passes away

Walt Bellamy in action against the Buffalo Braves

Walt Bellamy, the Hall of Fame center who created a storm in the NBA as the No. 1 pick of the Chicago Packers in 1961, averaging 31.6 points and 19 rebounds a game as a rookie passed away at the age of 74. He had an extremely successful 14-year NBA career.

The Atlanta Hawks confirmed that Walt had passed away, but did not provide any details.

NBA Commissioner David Stern said, “Walt Bellamy was an enormously gifted Hall of Fame player who had a tremendous impact on our game.

“Off the court, he was an even more extraordinary person. Walt is going to be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. On behalf of the entire NBA family, our condolences and thoughts go out to Walt’s family.”

The former Indiana University star won an Olympic Gold medal in 1960, and played for Baltimore Bullets, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta and New Orleans Jazz. He played in four All-Star games and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993.

In his career, Bellamy shot 51.6 percent from the field and averaged 20.1 points, 13.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists per contest.

“The Atlanta Hawks family is saddened to learn of the death of Walt Bellamy at the age of 74 earlier today,” the Hawks said in a statement.

“The Hawks and the National Basketball Association have lost a giant.

“As an Olympic gold medalist, the first overall pick in 1961, Rookie of the Year in 1962, a four-time All-Star and a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, his on-court accomplishments were overwhelming.

“Off the court, he was equally impactful as a family man, leader in the community, mentor and friend to many.”