breaking news: Ex-NBA Player Identifies the Most Coveted Head Coaching Vacancy in
Ex-NBA Player Identifies the Most Coveted Head Coaching Vacancy in the League
Walton’s life was as remarkable off the court as it was on it. A standout champion in high school, college, and the NBA, Walton also embraced the counterculture of the late 1960s and 1970s.
Bill Walton’s best moment on ESPN: he ate a cupcake while candle was still burning
He maintained his connection to both basketball and his love for the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, and Neil Young throughout his life, balancing his roles as a player, TV analyst, and cultural icon.
“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said.
“I treasured our close friendship, envied his boundless energy and admired the time he took with every person he encountered.”
At 6-11, Walton was one of the most versatile big men to ever play the game. He excelled in defense, rebounding, shot-blocking, passing, and scoring.
An NBA legend
Over his 10-season NBA career, he averaged 13.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game. Unfortunately, chronic foot injuries severely limited his career, causing him to miss the entire 1978/79, 1980/81 and 1981/82 seasons.
Despite these setbacks, Walton’s achievements on the court were extraordinary. After a stellar career at UCLA, where he won two NCAA titles under the legendary coach John Wooden, Walton was the first overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers.
He led the Blazers to their first NBA championship in 1977, earning Finals MVP honors with an average of 18.5 points, 19 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 3.7 blocks per game in the series against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The following season, Walton was named the NBA’s regular-season MVP, posting averages of 18.9 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.5 blocks per game.
Basketball icon Bill Walton, a distinguished member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, passed away on Monday at the age of 71 after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Walton’s legacy transcended the court, embodying both athletic excellence and a vibrant engagement with the countercultural movements of the late 1960s and 1970s. Renowned for his achievements in high school, college, and the NBA, he also embraced the ethos of the era, including his passion for music icons like the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, and Neil Young.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver reflected on Walton’s uniqueness, emphasizing his dynamic personality, tireless energy, and genuine connection with everyone he encountered.
Standing tall at 6’11”, Walton was celebrated as one of the most versatile players in basketball history, showcasing exceptional skills in defense, rebounding, shot-blocking, passing, and scoring.
Despite grappling with chronic foot injuries that sidelined him for significant portions of his career, Walton’s on-court contributions were monumental. Following a stellar tenure at UCLA, where he clinched two NCAA titles under the tutelage of legendary coach John Wooden, Walton was selected as the first overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers.
His leadership guided the Blazers to their maiden NBA championship in 1977, with Walton securing Finals MVP accolades for his remarkable performance, averaging 18.5 points, 19 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 3.7 blocks per game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The subsequent season saw Walton named NBA’s regular-season MVP, further cementing his status as a basketball legend, despite his career being hampered by injury setbacks.