Bill Walton, a basketball legend and Hall of Famer, passed away at the age of 71 on May 28, 2024. Walton's impact on the sport was significant and far-reaching. He led UCLA's basketball team to two championship wins and an impressive 88-game winning streak from 1971 to 1974.
After college, Walton was selected as the No.1 overall draft pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1974. He went on to lead the Blazers to their first and only championship win in 1977, earning him the Most Valuable Player award that season.
Nine years later, Walton joined forces with the Boston Celtics and helped them secure another NBA championship in 1986. He was also awarded the Sixth Man of the Year award during his time with the Celtics.
Walton's unique all-around skills redefined the centre position in the NBA, making him one of basketball's greatest players. Despite chronic foot injuries that cut short his professional career, Walton continued to make a mark in sports as an Emmy Award-winning commentator for the sport.
Born and raised in California, Walton had his first basketball experience as a fourth grader on the sixth-grade squad at Blessed Sacrament Parish School. He entered the game late and made his first basket by shooting directly through the hoop without intending to.
Walton's colleagues from his broadcasting career shared their favorite memories of him. Dave Pasch, who worked with Walton on various projects including ESPN and Pac-12 Network, had dinner with him after their last game together at USC in 2023. The two jokingly made up a story about Walton auditioning for the role of Chewbacca in Star Wars which was widely reported by media.
Larry Bird, a fellow NBA legend and childhood idol of Walton's, expressed his condolences and shared fond memories of their friendship and playing together. Bird was instrumental in bringing Walton to the Celtics through a trade from the San Diego Clippers. Together, they earned an NBA Championship in 1986.
Walton leaves behind his wife and four sons, including Luke Walton, a former NBA player and now an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers.