Drafted to the Nationals in 1962, Walker partook in the move to Philadelphia just one year after joining the franchise. He went on to spend seven seasons in the Sixers/Nationals rotation, averaging 16.2 points and 7.9 rebounds per game over that span.
Nicknamed ‘Chet the Jet’, quickness was Walker’s calling card in the NBA. He was a quick-twitch athlete, terrorizing defenses on drives to the rim. He was explosive and efficient, offering a perimeter scoring threat alongside the vaunted Wilt Chamberlain/Luke Jackson frontcourt.
Walker’s best season in Philadelphia came as part of the 1967 title run. He averaged 19.3 points per game, a number he wouldn’t surpass until joining the Chicago Bulls in 1969. Walker made three of his seven NBA All-Star appearances as a Sixer, the 1967 season included.
A strong mid-range scorer and elite finisher, Walker was almost ahead of his time. He scored efficiently as Hal Greer‘s perimeter sidekick, playing an integral role in Philadelphia’s loaded rotation. Our Rusty Gorelick mentioned the 1966-67 Sixers as the original superteam.
Since inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Walker still doesn’t get enough credit for his role on a gifted Philadelphia team. He was overshadowed by all-time talent, but deserves his own recognition in that illustrious vein. A top-five spot on this list is warranted.