American · Benton Harbor, Michigan · Born 22 February 1940American basketball player known as one of the smoothest forwards in NBA history, combining scoring ability with exceptional ball-handling skills.
Chet Walker was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan in 1940. Philadelphia Warriors selected him in the second round of the 1962 NBA Draft. His 13-season career produced 18.2 points and 7.1 rebounds per game along with seven All-Star appearances. He won the NBA championship with the 1967 Philadelphia 76ers — the team that finally ended the Boston Celtics dynasty by winning 68 games and defeating Boston convincingly in the Eastern Division Finals. He was named to the All-NBA Second Team twice. He averaged 21.4 points per game for the Chicago Bulls in 1970-71 — the finest individual season of his career. He was one of the most reliable and efficient scorers in the NBA across his peak years, combining a precise mid-range shot with the ability to draw fouls and convert from the free throw line at over 80%. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012 — a recognition many felt was overdue given his consistency across 13 seasons. His nickname Chet the Jet reflected his quickness and explosiveness as a small forward in an era that valued those qualities highly.
Smooth offensive skills and championship success with 76ers
How They Played
Smooth offensive forward with excellent mid-range shooting and court awareness
Lasting Impact
Hall of Fame forward known for clutch shooting and seven All-Star appearances
Career Honours
- NBA Champion (1967)
- All-Star 7x
- All-NBA Second Team 2x
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Bulls | 1969–1975 | 440 |
| Syracuse Nationals/Philadelphia 76ers | 1962–1969 | 504 |
American Athletes