This article covers Walter Davis’ biography, including his family, net worth, and cause of death… So who was Walter Davis?
Walter Davis was an American professional basketball player. He played as a forward/guard in the NBA for 15 years, primarily for the Phoenix Suns.
Davis was a six-time NBA All-Star, a two-time All-NBA Second Team member, and the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1978.
In 1994, the Suns retired his No. 6 jersey and in 2004 he was enshrined in the team’s Ring of Honor.
Walter Davis Biography
Born Walter Pearl Davis in Pineville, North Carolina, Davis was the youngest of 13 children born between 1937 and 1954.
His high school teams at South Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte won three state titles and lost only four games.
After his senior year,he prepped at the Sanford School, Hockessin, DE, and made the All-State team in the 1972-73 season.
He was chosen to represent the USA men’s basketball team at the 1976 Summer Olympics, which was coached by UNC’s Dean Smith.
This was after he had an impressive college career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The team went on to win the gold medal.
In his freshman year, Davis hit a buzzer-beating jump shot against Duke at the end of regulation to send the game into overtime.
At Chapel Hill, Davis was called “Sweet D” because of his seemingly effortless, smooth style of play and because of his strong defensive play.
Walter Davis NBA career
Davis had a remarkable career in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Here are some highlights of his career:
Beginning: Davis was selected by the Phoenix Suns with the fifth pick of the 1977 NBA draft.
He made an immediate impact, playing in 81 games and averaging 24.2 points per game in his first season, which would also be his career-high.
He won the 1978 Rookie of the Year Award, and earned second team All-NBA honors1.
Career Highlights:
Davis was a six-time NBA All-Star (1978–1981, 1984, 1987).
He was a two-time All-NBA Second Team member (1978, 1979).
He was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1978.
His No. 6 jersey was retired by Phoenix Suns.
He scored a total of 19,521 points (18.9 ppg), made 3,878 assists (3.8 apg), and had 1,280 steals (1.2 spg) in his NBA career.
Teams: He spent the majority of his career with the Phoenix Suns (1977 – 1988).
He also played for the Denver Nuggets (1988 – 1991 and 1991–1992) and Portland Trail Blazers (1991).
Davis later served as a broadcaster for the Nuggets and as a scout for the Washington Wizards.
As time passed, Davis and the Suns repaired their relationship.
In 1994, his No. 6 was retired by the Suns, and in 2004 he was enshrined in the team’s Ring of Honor.
He was the uncle of UNC men’s head coach Hubert Davis, who also played for UNC and in the NBA.
Davis passed away on November 2, 20231. His contributions to the sport of basketball were significant and he is remembered as one of the greats in NBA history.
Walter Davis Wife
Walter Davis was was married to Angela Davis, who is a former WNBA player and coach.
Angela Davis was also a star at UNC and is currently an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team.
Walter Davis Children
Walter Davis had two children, Walter Davis Jr. and Brianna Davis.
They are both former basketball players who followed their parents’ footsteps.
Walter Davis Jr. played for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Brianna Davis played for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Brianna Davis is also an assistant coach for the UNC women’s basketball team.
Walter Davis Parents
Walter Davis’ parents were Hubert Davis Sr. and Nellie Ruth Davis.
They lived in Pineville, North Carolina, where Walter was born and raised. His father was a coal miner and his mother was a homemaker.
Walter Davis Siblings
Davis was the youngest of 13 children born between 1937 and 1954.
His only sibling who is still alive is Hubert Davis Jr., who is the current head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels basketball team.
Walter Davis Family
Davis had a large family with many relatives who were also basketball players or coaches. Here is a list of some of his family members and their relation to him:
Angela Davis: wife, former WNBA player and coach.
Walter Davis Jr.: son, former UNC Charlotte player.
Brianna Davis: daughter, former UNC Chapel Hill player and assistant coach.
Hubert Davis Sr.: father, coal miner.
Nellie Ruth Davis: mother, homemaker.
Hubert Davis Jr.: brother, current UNC Chapel Hill head coach, former NBA player.
Walter Davis: uncle, six-time NBA All-Star, UNC legend.
Hubert Davis: nephew, current UNC Chapel Hill women’s head coach.
Walter Davis Net worth
Walter Davis net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $6 million, based on different sources.
Walter Davis Death Cause
Per his alma mater, the University of North Carolina, Davis passed away of natural causes while visiting family in Charlotte.
THANK YOU for constantly reading stories on AtinkaNews. You are free to share this story via the various social media platforms . Kindly follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Telegram.
