Hall of Famer Bill Walton won’t return as analyst for ESPN’s NBA coverage

Bill Walton won’t return as NBA analyst for ESPN

BRISTOL, Conn. — Hall of Famer Bill Walton won’t return as an analyst for ESPN’s NBA coverage.

Walton said in a statement Monday that “it is time to dedicate the rest of my life to service.” He missed most of last season while recovering from back surgery. Walton calls his battle with back problems a “life-changing ordeal.”

Walton had worked for the network since the start of its NBA coverage during the 2002-03 season.

ESPN is owned by The Walt Disney Co.