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Walter Davis makes Basketball Hall of Fame

Former Tar Heel and NBA All-Star died in November 2023.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NBA All-Star and former North Carolina Tar Heel Walter Davis, a Charlotte native, has been named to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame's Class of 2024.

Davis, who played 15 seasons in the NBA, died in November at the age of 69.

The Phoenix Suns all-time leading scorer and six-time NBA All-Star, Davis also played for the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers.

The South Meck High School graduate played for Dean Smith at UNC, and won a gold medal in the 1976 Summer Olympics.

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In his first NBA season, Davis averaged 24.2 points per game, and was named Rookie of the Year in 1978.

He is the uncle of Tar Heels coach Hubert Davis.

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Davis' daughter, Hillary Laird, spoke on her father's behalf after the announcement.

"It's incredible to be here, standing in for my father," she said. "He would have just been on cloud nine. He would have been so happy."

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