For kids to understand who Walton is: the offensive and passing skills of Jokic, the defense of Gobert, an even worse injury history than Embiid, the weird beliefs of Kyrie and the likeability of Boban. Combine all that and that's Bill Walton.
I've met Bill a number of times, he is a regular here where I live and work in Tucson. The man is one of the kindest, most gentle souls you will ever meet. Always stops and takes the time to talk to anyone and everyone, super genuine human. Tucson loves ya Bill!
That's bc he entrusted Lute with his son rather than having him go to UCLA. Altho at the time UCLA had a s*+^#^ coach. He publicly ball washes UofA so much that I want him banned from campus. Banned from the UCLa campus.
I feel like it’s easier to get away with bad or unconventional form if you’re big(see that old video of Wilt draining five hook shot threes in practice)
Walton was inconsistent in that game. He got in foul trouble early and let Memphis get some inside baskets he should not have. In the final 12 minutes, he dominated with defense and rebounding to pull UCLA away. But it was far from the best game in history. Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar (Lew Alcindor) in the 1969 title game against Purdue was much better.
Bill Walton is a very inspiring man. You gotta love his his telecast. There not fake or scripted. Its just Bill being Bill. There's no ego to check with him. Thats something you can't say about most of commentators.
Most incredibly skilled Center I ever saw. Even with all his injuries, which were off the charts in terms of frequency and severity, it is appropriate he is in the Hall of Fame and Top 50 Player. He was simply unique. I also loved that after his brief but super impressive glory days in Portland, he squeezed out one more great season out of that crippled body in Boston. As the backup to Parrish in '86 ,he made a huge contribution off the bench to the NBA title that year.
Absolutely right.1977 team was special.No Hall of Famers except Bill and the late great Dr Jack Ramsey.They played team ball.No egos and Bill orchestrated everything from the center position.The man did everything.Played both ends of the court.One of the best passers ( not just big man) at ANY position.The Sixers were 10 times more talented, but the team play and coaching of Dr.Jack propelled them to that '77 chip.
@greenmean1 "Luke" like almost everyone else on that team played their parts to perfection.He was the enforcer a team needed and especially next to a center like Walton,who was basically the star.But Luke stood up to anyone.Who can forget him and Daryl Dawkins daring each other to throw the first punch?.
He averaged 19 rebounds a game in that series. The Sixers had stylish scorers in the Doctor and McGinnis, but they could go no further until they got a true worker underneath in Moses.
GOAT Walton play ever in that series. The Dr was on a two on one fast break against Walton standing under the basket. The Dr never failed to score on a two on one break. WALTON SNUFFED HIM. Went high w him while Doc was at full speed and elevation, flying toward the rim and WALTON SNUFFED HIM. "Don't bring that s*** in here" as he would say
@@drasticwillb. Some say that Kareem outplayed him when they swept the Lakers but the truth is that without Walton the Lakers were able to beat the trail blazers during the regular season, Lakers had better record than Blazers that year but that's because Walton missed a lot of games because injuries, people argue Walton had a better team that's why they swept the Lakers but I think people overlook Waltons passing ability he wasn't selfish he had solid basketball fundamentals thanks to the great John wooden the legendary ucla coach.
@@awakeandalive4248 Somehow I have a visual memory of Walton dunking on Kareem in that series, even though I listened to that particular game on the radio.
@@yankeeshogun . I actually saw at least one of those games hoping the Lakers could hold their own and my impression was Walton dominating Kareem regardless of the stats favoring Kareem and Walton did slam on Kareem and made him look bad, the supporting cast for both Walton and Kareem looked fairly even to me the only advantage in Portlands favor was Maurice Lucas probably the most underrated power forward that guy was a force but definitely without Walton blazers probably would have lost to Kareem and the Lakers.
I saw Bill Walton play a game against the Celtics and he scored only three points and totally dominated the game. The Blazers won by a large margin. Watching the Blazers between the summer of 1976 and the spring of 78 was an amazing experience. That team was like watching a ballet in total synchronicity.
I remember Bill at UCLA where he was so confident, almost arrogant. He would strut around the court in warmups with his game face on and if he wanted the ball, he'd just point at players. They say he was 6'11" but there is no way he was under 7', at least, in his playing days. The fact that he shot over 65% in college was just ridiculous. When healthy, Walton is the greatest all around player at the center position in history with his passing ability, shot blocking, rebounding, and scoring if he needed to that. The ultimate compliment was that he was a total team player and especially the way he played at UCLA, Portland, and the Celtics was nothing short of sublime. 🔥💪🐐
In college he was good to be sure , however his own self loving arrogance hurt his brand . His weak body prevents him from being considered as a great in the pros , he had flashes now n then but his weak body prevented any consistency . NBA speaking , he's the classic what might have been guy
@@thomasdemay9805 We'll never know how great Walton was because he was hurt most of the time. With that said, statistically speaking, Wilt is the best center ever if you look at the amount of records.
A close friend of mine in San Diego became friends with Bill when they met at the YMCA. She had no idea who he was at first. He was smart, friendly, funny, caring, and the tallest person she'd ever met. She was taken by how graceful and athletic he was, and how dedicated he was to his water workout routine. "What's his name?" I asked. "Bill". "What's his last name?" "I don't know, but I'll find out". She calls me back "Walton. Bill Walton". "Do you realize that you're in the presence of true athletic greatness?" She had no idea, but she learned. From everything I've heard, he's one of the nicest guys you'd ever want to meet, and for that brief few years, certainly one of the greatest basketball players I've ever watched. 21-22 shots, 44 points in the NCAA finals, and in 1977, he and the Blazers simply dismantled the heavily favored Sixers. I even became a Celtic fan in 1985-86 when a relatively healthy Walton played a pivotal role in their championship run. Unfortunately, he was born with brittle bones, but when healthy, few were better.
kalinwang1 Not. Even the commentators were asking who the best white player ever. Also it’s something me and friends who play talk about once in a blue. And my friends are white and black and Hispanic. And I’m black and white. My mom is white. That’s not racism to say who the best white player of all time. If I was putting them down or talking negative about them that would be different. Bird and Bill Walton are two of my favorite players of all time.
With my grandkids, we bumped into Bill at Balboa Park. There was some event going on with many city leaders. Bill came up to my 2 grandkids, spoke with them, talked about some of the players he went up against (MJ), took a photo with the kids (with his arms raised in the Bill pose). ALL the while the city leaders were trying to squeeze in to get Bill for something they wanted but he never left my grandkids until they finished talking to him and after the photo.
@Happy Pupper I dont think they had weed back then, players were more straight edge in the good ol days. And Kidd needs a new emoji, put up one of a plant or a tree not a filler up machine.
He was SO fundamentally sound. Super hard worker, really skilled and talented. It is a shame he had the injury issues. Also one of the greatest college players ever.
Reminds me a lot of the nuggets today, give the biggest guy in the building the best court vision and 4 guys to chuck the ball to and it's gonna get cool
i remember they interview Bill Walton after the championship. He straight up said that he was gonna buy a car. Because he used to bike to the stadium every day until the day. Kinda unbelievable that he had an injured foot.
Just like bird. If bird didn’t have a bad back. He would have been even better than he was. That’s crazy. Because he battled neck and neck with magic and dr j.
@@jameswatson5405 Bird didn't have a bad back until he hurt it in 1985 shoveling crushed rock to make a driveway for his parents. He should have just hired someone else to do it. He was perfectly healthy for his first 5 seasons.
Walton has always been one of my all-time favorites, from his Freshman year at UCLA, to today. After reading his autobiography, it's remarkable he played as long he did. He had chronic knee and foot problems in high school. But, it's not surprising that he played as well as he did when able. One of the 10 best centers , the second-best defensive center, and the best passing center I've ever seen. This video brought back memories. He was definitely more than just Luke's dad.
U know your S***. Clearly the best passing center ever Wins the eye test but difficult to argue against Russell, Kareem, Wilt, Shaq re overall defensive center. But as I say, he passes the eye test re same. NTW (Russell W-L record) Walton is clearly the best, most effective, College center and ***GOAT college player****
I always really respected the way Bill Walton would gush over the legendary 10 year + pre-NBA career of Arvydas Sabonis. [In an overexcited and filled with awe Bill Walton voice]: "He'd have 40 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists... and it was only the second quarter!"
I was there when Sabonis broke the backboard with one hand. He was 20 years old, and I was a boy, 9 years old. Real Madrid vs URSS, christmas tournament, december 26. Before the injuries, the bad surgeries and the fat, Sabas was a freak of the nature. 7'3", running and jumping like a 6'7 player. Assists, three points, blocks, tons of rebounds and points. Bird+Lebron. IQ + brutal power + skills for everything this game needs.
@@JSB-2Z-2K ruclips.net/video/gqxRL7Svt7Y/видео.html that was the night. Young Sabonis vs Fernando Romay, the spanish center. They fought for a ball in this video. Romay played this year the olimpic final, vs EEUU. And blocked Michael Jordan two times, one with the right hand, the other one with the left hand. 😛 Good old days. Romay was 7'1". You can see how Sabonis dominated the game. Rebounds, assists, good shots, faster, stronger, jumping before the injuries. The next year, in Germany, Sabonis won the European Championship with urss. That tournament saw the peak of Sabonis, and sadly, for the last time. This summer after the tournament, the pain and the bad feelings about his aquiles, started. The biggest what if in basketball history. Sabonis healthy.
@@aha3885 god damn! He was better then Shaq. He looked like Wilt Chamberlain with moves and jump shots like Akeem Olajuwon and Toni Kukoc. He could do it all, too bad he came in the NBA late and injured
@@josedopwell9645 it was born and then died apparently. I can't believe not one single player has mastered it since. Literally the NBA all time leading scorers signature go to move...
Best passing centre ever. Him joining the 86 Celtics was an absolute wet dream for anybody who likes a passing game. Thankyou squire. Really enjoyed that.
I saw the video of Larry Birds statue unveiling in Terre Haute and they welcomed Walton to the stage...Dude grabbed the mic and went on a 10 minute rant that nobody could stop. Thanked people in the audience, gushed over Bird, smacked around Quinn Buckner and totally fucked up the whole night with his mindless Grateful Dead references...it was hysterical i was laughing so hard i popped a vessel in my head.
I remember after he was drafted. He was asked what he was going to do with the money he was just promised. He said he just bought "this shirt". He was incredible to watch live
Walton is a NATIONAL TREASURE. Awesome player but even better person. If he never got hurt the 1978 season, PORTLAND would have most likely been b2b champs and dynasty. Legendary big man. NBA-50 greatest and will remain on the list once expanded.
Bill Walton is a god, a legend, an institution! He's always managed to make basketball more colorful and exciting than it already is, both early on as a player and in later years as a commentator. May he live for a thousand years!
My sophomore year in high school, I got to witness Walton one afternoon as a much anticipated matchup between the top 2 teams in San Diego took place. Our Frontline went '6"9 '6"8, '6"6, and they were very good too. Walton set the tone immediately by blocking our teams' first three shots, and I mean in a spectacular fashion. Also in high school, Walton shot over 78 pércent from the field his senior year. Ive been a UCLA and Walton fan ever since. Still the best high school player I ever saw, even to this day.
It's an absolute shame injuries prevented what could have been a 🐐 type of career. I'm glad he at least is still around, has had a super entertaining career as a broadcaster and is universally regarded as one of the kindest people in the NBA.
Funny fact. My dad lived 2 houses down from him and he had a a tent outside that he lived in and would offer weed to the 16 year olds that he let play bball on his driveway.
Walton only had 2 healthy seasons. He won an NBA championship in both of those seasons. I've always thought he might be the best center of all time if he could've remained healthy.
Watching his time with Boston was enjoyable. He didn’t have to carry the load of an entire franchise. Great rebounding good shot blocker and his ability to pass with bird mchale and parrish was incredible.
I'm not 7 feet tall, but the one thing I learned from Walton that big men today (at least in the college game I mostly watch) still have not learned - you are 7 feet tall - hold the ball high and don't dribble unecessarily, you will get fouled, find the open man for an assist, or not have the ball stripped.
Woah what the heck, this is some crazy video quality. I'm definitely getting a professional vibe from binging these videos so keep up the good work. Remember me when you guys get popular lol
You know this is already an established company right? Their app has 10+ million downloads and their other channel "thescore eSports" has 1 million subscribers. So you are getting professional video vibes because they are professional videos.
@@ennex_3 it used to be a sports tv channel here in Canada too (the best one imo, btw). They were bought out (I think) a few years back and are completely digital now
I have always said for one year Bill Walton was the best big man ever! He was the "big fundamental" before Tim Duncan. Apparently he was excellent at mowing yards too! He got paid $2,000 for every lawn he cut. It was also his 5th foul not Steve Downing's, but I digress. I loved watching him play.
@@keithgardner4505 , I have a feeling that I did know that at some point but I'm not 100% sure. Given what Shaq did to much better equipment later on, I guess you can understand why they may have had concerns.
@@keithgardner4505 Yup...all the way through Walton's college career, it was illegal. Sucks that college fans never got to see David Thompson flush it at NC State. What a waste.
many players dunked during the 60s, way before that, it was forbiden in college basketball due to Kareem... they changed the rules trying to stop Kareem's abuse... it didn't work 😎
Bill was the best. What you didn't say is that the Portland Trailblazer Championship was against what at that time was the greatest collection of talent in the NBA, the Phi-Slamma-Jamma of its day, led by a young sky-flying Julius Erving. They went down 2-0 to the 76ers and went home badly beaten. Bill turned it on. He shot, he closed off the lanes, he passed, and the Blazers beat them at their own game. They won the championship in Philadelphia when Bill, thinking always, slapped the ball away from the basket instead of trying to rebound it to Lionel Hollins and the game was over.
Picking up Bill Walton was the missing piece that helped the Celtics win the NBA crown in 1985. In limited playing time, Waltons defense, rebounding and passing helped push Boston over the top. When you watch old videos, Walton and Larry Bird looked liked they had played together for many seasons instead of their first year together. It was Waltons only year in the NBA he played 80 games. For brief moments, even after all the injuries, Walton could still compete with the best NBA centers.
I am from Portland Oregon, I am from Portland I followed his career from UCLA through the Blazers then the Celtics. I cannot tell you how many BB teams he affected in our area. What's beautiful about him is he transformed himself from being a Stutterer to being a skilled Basketball announcer. I saw him from the time he arrived in Portland from beginning I was in the building when they won the championship and celebrated with them at the celebration with them at "Chucks", great times and memories. He and Kareem were the greatest Centers from UCLA!!!
At his peak in ability and health (relatively speaking), Walton was perhaps the most ideal archetype of a center ever. If we are to judge a basketball player by his ability to play a 5v5 team game (which we should), Walton had nearly no flaws in his game compared to other great centers. What do I mean by that? I mean 4 things: 1. Team defense. 2. Individual defense. 3. Scoring ability. 4. Understanding of team offense and your role in a good team offense. For me, the 4th point is often missed by many great centers. It's an ability, partly instinctual, but improved through practice and good habits, that allows a player (at any position) to automatically switch between knowing when to shoot and knowing when to do "other things" that provides your team the best chance to score. Not too many centers had this ability. Walton did. His defense was also on-point. IMO, Walton was one of the greatest defensive centers of all time. He was also a fairly dynamic scorer, someone good enough to take over a game if he needed to. But he knew the best way to win was to balance his scoring and his "other things" so that the opposing team would be left guessing. Alas, his injuries left us with a big "what if".
@@missayawk Yes, how can I forget? I subconsciously put his amazing passing ability into point #4, but it should really be its own bullet point. Understanding the nuances of team basketball can't quite work if you can't deliver the right pass at the right time. Every possession is important, and you need to make the most of each possession, whether by shooting, cutting, screening, or passing at the right moments.
@@Lewis.Alcindor Watching Jokic from the Nuggets play a similar game to Walton.Of course Jokic is a better shooter, but Walton was a better defender and athlete.Like to see big men like Walton, Jokic, Duncan, Arvydas Sabonis, who are PPC's( post point centers)
I went to High School with Bill and his brothers (and sister). Your opening statement about access to the gym is true and he would come back while in College to practice with some friends. I was able to out-rebound him one time....because he ball hit the rim and bounced about 15 feet from the basket. Otherwise I never would have got it, he was a vacuum cleaner around the basket. His passing skills were legendary. We are so proud of his success even through the years of mental and physical problems.
Bill Walton is one of the 10 best overall basketball players EVER.He played both ends of the court and was one of the best passers ever.And he led a TEAM with no future Hall Of Famers to the chip.The only ones I can think of who did that was Hakeem and the Pistons (with Billups,The Wallaces, and Rip Hamilton.)The one thing all 3 teams had in common were Hall of Fame coaches.
I lived in Brentwood California, next to Westwood where Walton played for UCLA and saw almost every game on tv that he played in. He was the best college player I ever saw. His NCAA championship game he scored 40 + points on 22 of 23 shooting was the best performance I have ever seen, before or since. Pro or College.
Brandon Clarke's game reminds me so much of Bill Walton. I think the kid will surprise everyone, becoming a true star and maybe even passing Jaren as the Grizzlies second best player.
I lived in Portland in the 1976-77 series Joni Davis Lionel Hollins Bill Walton Maurice Lucas and Bobby gross with a starting 5 he had a hell of a team and we had a hell of a party when they won the championship
@@xxbreachnbabyxx thanks for bringing that up. Wilt led the league in total assists one year and played in an era when blocked shots weren't an official statistic, like sacks in the pre-1982 NFL. The major flaw in Chamberlain's game was foul shooting. If he'd shot free throws at Kareem's level he would've scored thousands of more points.
To anyone who may be wondering why Walton did not slam at 2:37 is due to the prohibition of such shots during that time by the NCAA. That could be attributed to Walton's predecessor at UCLA, Lew Alcindor, better known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, dominance of the game in the late 60's.
Nobody recognizes Bill Walton in their top NBA players - but he was as good as anyone that ever played - when he was healthy - which wasn't often. Too bad - because he could do it ALL!!!!!
8:27 --When I was around 15 years old, I spent 2 Summers in Basketball Camp. The 2nd Year, Walton was the Resident Pro. He warmed up by dropping like 50 of those from either side of the court straight. I can't remember him missing. It was a thing of Beauty..
For me the year was 1977 or maybe 76, anyway I was a youngster in Philly, and those Sixers were loaded with talent, they got to the finals that year, and met the Portland Trail blazers and it was then that I came to see Bill Walton, up close and my goodness he was a great damn center. He was one of the best passing centers I had ever seen, he was mean and tough, and mixed it up down low with Double D, and Caldwell Jones, and he also went at it with Doc, who himself was dealing with creaky knees, but this was before all the trouble Walton had with his feet, and what a career those injuries robbed both us and Bill, of what could've been a ridiculously good career, Walton had a nice midrange game, but he was just explosive down low, with quickness and strength. But those injuries took there toll , Portland did in fact come back from 2 games down to win that championship, but Bill got injured I think the very next season. Anyway Doc finally got his ring as everyone knows in 83, but damn what a career that never came to pass, because of those damn broken feet.
What ifs mean nothing. But what he actually did was amazing. His Blazers beat a stacked 76ers team, and his bench play for the Celtics helped cement their legacy as an all-time team. Just remember: Never jump to pass.
bill walton, when healthy, was one of the greatest, winningest centers to ever play the game. he was cerebral, passionate, hated to lose, and loved to win. the only player i've ever witnessed block a shot TO his fast break guard or grab a rebound and throw to his fast break guard before his feet had even hit the ground. shot 21 of 22 in the ncaa championship. the most most dominate performance in basketball i've ever seen. i would say the greatest performance in ncaa playoff history.
1977 was also one of the best years musically for the Grateful Dead. Their spring 1977 spring tour is ledgendary. 1985-1986 was also a great run for the Grateful Dead.
It was great to watch Walton trail down the ball on offense, his head moving left and right, long strides, barking out commands and making hand gestures for others. He was on pace to get the shot or the rebound. Pure Bill Russel with some wisdom from Wilt. I'm sure Walton got to see Wilt in LA when Wilt was built like superman..
As others have said it was the injurys that robbed his game. Had he stayed 100% healthy he may have been the greatest who ever played. He was just phenomenal in every aspect of the game he was that good.
I was 10 here in Oregon that chip year...I can still hear Shonley Holler "rebound WALTON!" The ball was at half court before his feet hit the boards again.
As a kid, I talked with coach Jack Ramsay in the 80’s at a camp he held at Willamette University. He said as good as that championship team was, the following year they were far better. Walton’s broken foot stopped a sure back to back Championship. That catastrophic injury paved the way for the Sonics to get their only title though, so at least the Northwest came out a winner.
I grew up in the 60s and 70s and got to watch Bill Russell's Celtics, Red Holtman's Knicks, and Wooden's Bruins all before I graduated high school. I had no idea how lucky I was.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
"I've always been better at getting high than getting low" yeah def gonna start using that line. Protect Mr. Walton at all cost
He’s good but Luke can suck it
I could go on forever on how much I love Mr. Walton's game,and.....his disposition.im not EVEN gonna attempt putting it into words right now.
❤️ bill walton doesn"t eat meats; great defender rebounder shooter; passing etc etc : chest player etc etc
😂😂😂
For kids to understand who Walton is: the offensive and passing skills of Jokic, the defense of Gobert, an even worse injury history than Embiid, the weird beliefs of Kyrie and the likeability of Boban.
Combine all that and that's Bill Walton.
Smokes like JR
I like it, but I'm curious, what kind of wonky beliefs did he have? Kyrie had youtube kiddies misleading him
Bill is also the tallest Dead Head ever. 🙂
What are his weird beliefs?
@@davidfebreeze428 Kyrie is a flat earther
I've met Bill a number of times, he is a regular here where I live and work in Tucson. The man is one of the kindest, most gentle souls you will ever meet. Always stops and takes the time to talk to anyone and everyone, super genuine human. Tucson loves ya Bill!
That's bc he entrusted Lute with his son rather than having him go to UCLA. Altho at the time UCLA had a s*+^#^ coach.
He publicly ball washes UofA so much that I want him banned from campus. Banned from the UCLa campus.
I've met his son Luke a few times. Also a nice and down to earth guy.
His shot was so weird but low key clean
Compared to Lonzo Ball’s appalling, hands intertwined, wrist bending the wrong way, -barfing sounds- jumpshot, I’d say it was ok.
@@Lymbe06 Lonzos jumper is also clean af now
Lymbe06 lonzo is pretty good now fam, it’s not 2018 anymore.
I feel like it’s easier to get away with bad or unconventional form if you’re big(see that old video of Wilt draining five hook shot threes in practice)
Clean release. Once out of his hands the ball looked perfect in the air.
I've known Bill for 50 years. He's exactly like he portrays himself, and he's a great and loyal person.
He looks like the best friend who anybody would love to meet and be fellas forever.
he looks like a chill dude indeed, reminds me of one of my friends.
Does he smoke as much weed as he looks like he does? Lol
pretorious700 neighbors?
Liberal off the court, total conservative on it. What an enigma.
Might mention Bill had the greatest game in NCAA history, in a blowout Bruin chip victory hitting 22/23 shots.
he had 3 or 4 shots disallowed in that game too - because they were judged to be dunks, that were illegal at that time in the NCAA
Dam!!!
I remember watching that.....dude was on fire
Walton was inconsistent in that game. He got in foul trouble early and let Memphis get some inside baskets he should not have. In the final 12 minutes, he dominated with defense and rebounding to pull UCLA away. But it was far from the best game in history. Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar (Lew Alcindor) in the 1969 title game against Purdue was much better.
Consider the fact that the dunk was not allowed at time. (Thanks Lew Alcindor alias Karrem.)
Bill's probably in LA somewhere, smoking a joint to start the day lmao
He lives in San Diego. I played against Luke in High School.
That’s the dream
Sry dude hahhaa I’m his neighbor, we live in San Diego
@@TikiMakala hahah really? Tell him hes tje best! Im in portland!
@@Hinata-vr-is-me what was he like? Did you know he was going to be a hell of a player from then?
Love that you chose to do one on Walton. He is overlooked in history. This vid deserves far more attention than it's getting.
Bill Walton is a very inspiring man. You gotta love his his telecast. There not fake or scripted. Its just Bill being Bill. There's no ego to check with him. Thats something you can't say about most of commentators.
Most incredibly skilled Center I ever saw. Even with all his injuries, which were off the charts in terms of frequency and severity, it is appropriate he is in the Hall of Fame and Top 50 Player. He was simply unique. I also loved that after his brief but super impressive glory days in Portland, he squeezed out one more great season out of that crippled body in Boston. As the backup to Parrish in '86 ,he made a huge contribution off the bench to the NBA title that year.
If injuries didn't derail his career I think he'd be up there with Kareem, Wilt, Shaq, Hakeem and Russell as one of the GOAT centers.
Str8 up. Dude was giving the business to Kareem, Wes unseld and Moses Malone when he was healthy.
Agreed. Not only is Walton one of the greatest "What might have been?" NBA players, he's on that list for athletes of all sports.
-Shaq ÷Moses Malone
Absolutely right.1977 team was special.No Hall of Famers except Bill and the late great Dr Jack Ramsey.They played team ball.No egos and Bill orchestrated everything from the center position.The man did everything.Played both ends of the court.One of the best passers ( not just big man) at ANY position.The Sixers were 10 times more talented, but the team play and coaching of Dr.Jack propelled them to that '77 chip.
@greenmean1 "Luke" like almost everyone else on that team played their parts to perfection.He was the enforcer a team needed and especially next to a center like Walton,who was basically the star.But Luke stood up to anyone.Who can forget him and Daryl Dawkins daring each other to throw the first punch?.
Walton took us to heaven in 77. Great fit for the team and the state. Blazers fans love ya big bill.
He averaged 19 rebounds a game in that series. The Sixers had stylish scorers in the Doctor and McGinnis, but they could go no further until they got a true worker underneath in Moses.
GOAT Walton play ever in that series. The Dr was on a two on one fast break against Walton standing under the basket. The Dr never failed to score on a two on one break. WALTON SNUFFED HIM. Went high w him while Doc was at full speed and elevation, flying toward the rim and WALTON SNUFFED HIM. "Don't bring that s*** in here" as he would say
@@drasticwillb. Some say that Kareem outplayed him when they swept the Lakers but the truth is that without Walton the Lakers were able to beat the trail blazers during the regular season, Lakers had better record than Blazers that year but that's because Walton missed a lot of games because injuries, people argue Walton had a better team that's why they swept the Lakers but I think people overlook Waltons passing ability he wasn't selfish he had solid basketball fundamentals thanks to the great John wooden the legendary ucla coach.
@@awakeandalive4248 Somehow I have a visual memory of Walton dunking on Kareem in that series, even though I listened to that particular game on the radio.
@@yankeeshogun . I actually saw at least one of those games hoping the Lakers could hold their own and my impression was Walton dominating Kareem regardless of the stats favoring Kareem and Walton did slam on Kareem and made him look bad, the supporting cast for both Walton and Kareem looked fairly even to me the only advantage in Portlands favor was Maurice Lucas probably the most underrated power forward that guy was a force but definitely without Walton blazers probably would have lost to Kareem and the Lakers.
I'll never forget that '77 title team. As a 9yr old watching my 1st NBA finals, Bill going up against Dr J and the Sixers was a classic.
I saw Bill Walton play a game against the Celtics and he scored only three points and totally dominated the game. The Blazers won by a large margin. Watching the Blazers between the summer of 1976 and the spring of 78 was an amazing experience. That team was like watching a ballet in total synchronicity.
I remember Bill at UCLA where he was so confident, almost arrogant. He would strut around the court in warmups with his game face on and if he wanted the ball, he'd just point at players. They say he was 6'11" but there is no way he was under 7', at least, in his playing days. The fact that he shot over 65% in college was just ridiculous. When healthy, Walton is the greatest all around player at the center position in history with his passing ability, shot blocking, rebounding, and scoring if he needed to that. The ultimate compliment was that he was a total team player and especially the way he played at UCLA, Portland, and the Celtics was nothing short of sublime. 🔥💪🐐
In college he was good to be sure , however his own self loving arrogance hurt his brand .
His weak body prevents him from being considered as a great in the pros , he had flashes now n then but his weak body prevented any consistency .
NBA speaking , he's the classic what might have been guy
he was great but lets be real, Chamberlain has Walton beat in pretty much every category.
@@thomasdemay9805 We'll never know how great Walton was because he was hurt most of the time. With that said, statistically speaking, Wilt is the best center ever if you look at the amount of records.
I'm feeling ur love for Bill but Wilt is the 🐐, center of all time in every category except free throws lol
@@iess2006 Ironically in his 100pt game, Wilt made 28 out of 32 free throws!! He was meant to get that 100!.
A close friend of mine in San Diego became friends with Bill when they met at the YMCA. She had no idea who he was at first. He was smart, friendly, funny, caring, and the tallest person she'd ever met. She was taken by how graceful and athletic he was, and how dedicated he was to his water workout routine. "What's his name?" I asked. "Bill". "What's his last name?" "I don't know, but I'll find out". She calls me back "Walton. Bill Walton". "Do you realize that you're in the presence of true athletic greatness?" She had no idea, but she learned. From everything I've heard, he's one of the nicest guys you'd ever want to meet, and for that brief few years, certainly one of the greatest basketball players I've ever watched. 21-22 shots, 44 points in the NCAA finals, and in 1977, he and the Blazers simply dismantled the heavily favored Sixers. I even became a Celtic fan in 1985-86 when a relatively healthy Walton played a pivotal role in their championship run. Unfortunately, he was born with brittle bones, but when healthy, few were better.
That's cool that he went to the YMCA
imagine if this guy was healthy throughout his nba career.
He would have been a top 5 center, and the Blazers would have been the dynasty of the 70s
Val The Gravedigger Imagine if bird was healthy. He had chronic back problems. He may have been the goat. He’s still the white goat though.
Monster.
@@jameswatson5405 That is racist. There is only one
GOAT. No matter what the color.
kalinwang1 Not. Even the commentators were asking who the best white player ever. Also it’s something me and friends who play talk about once in a blue. And my friends are white and black and Hispanic. And I’m black and white. My mom is white. That’s not racism to say who the best white player of all time. If I was putting them down or talking negative about them that would be different. Bird and Bill Walton are two of my favorite players of all time.
With my grandkids, we bumped into Bill at Balboa Park. There was some event going on with many city leaders. Bill came up to my 2 grandkids, spoke with them, talked about some of the players he went up against (MJ), took a photo with the kids (with his arms raised in the Bill pose). ALL the while the city leaders were trying to squeeze in to get Bill for something they wanted but he never left my grandkids until they finished talking to him and after the photo.
awesome story
That's really cool. Sounds like such a nice guy
Walton played his whole career on that ⛽️
he drank gasoline?
Yo Bo you were close
@Happy Pupper I dont think they had weed back then, players were more straight edge in the good ol days. And Kidd needs a new emoji, put up one of a plant or a tree not a filler up machine.
So did Robert Parish
Lmao nah weed ain’t come around till A.I. Got in the league 😂😂
He was SO fundamentally sound. Super hard worker, really skilled and talented. It is a shame he had the injury issues. Also one of the greatest college players ever.
The 1977 Finals were a clinic on how a cohesive team with one star and 11 role players can beat a team with five all-stars.
Reminds me a lot of the nuggets today, give the biggest guy in the building the best court vision and 4 guys to chuck the ball to and it's gonna get cool
coach Jack Ramsey had a lot to do with that. Bill Walton has put Ramsey right up their with Wooden for Coaching a team to it's best
this man really said that bill walton was known for being luke waltons dad
🤣
Whos Luke Walton?(not a joke im rlly asking) Bill's son?
HeyNowLookHere 😂
He said if you're a modern day NBA fan. Calm down bro
The great Luke Walton. Are we talking about the player or the coach Luke 🤣
i remember they interview Bill Walton after the championship.
He straight up said that he was gonna buy a car.
Because he used to bike to the stadium every day until the day.
Kinda unbelievable that he had an injured foot.
Walton had no weakness in his game, it was his body that betrayed him.
Just like bird. If bird didn’t have a bad back. He would have been even better than he was. That’s crazy. Because he battled neck and neck with magic and dr j.
@@jameswatson5405 Bird didn't have a bad back until he hurt it in 1985 shoveling crushed rock to make a driveway for his parents. He should have just hired someone else to do it. He was perfectly healthy for his first 5 seasons.
@@WestcountyWill he still had a bad back
@@crakdjdj only after 1985. He wouldn't have been better if he didn't hurt it. He just would have had a longer career.
@@WestcountyWill which would have made his career as a whole better
Walton has always been one of my all-time favorites, from his Freshman year at UCLA, to today. After reading his autobiography, it's remarkable he played as long he did. He had chronic knee and foot problems in high school. But, it's not surprising that he played as well as he did when able. One of the 10 best centers , the second-best defensive center, and the best passing center I've ever seen. This video brought back memories. He was definitely more than just Luke's dad.
U know your S***. Clearly the best passing center ever Wins the eye test but difficult to argue against Russell, Kareem, Wilt, Shaq re overall defensive center. But as I say, he passes the eye test re same.
NTW (Russell W-L record) Walton is clearly the best, most effective, College center and ***GOAT college player****
The greatest passing hippie in NBA history.
He is good at passing the pipe too
Steve Nash?
Wordz Gaddafi he isn’t a hippie
@@TheIcemanthomas You seen his haircut? How can you say that? 😂
Wordz Gaddafi he’s just canadian
My Uncle and Bill were incredibly close friends until my uncle passed away. He truly is a special man.
A true gladiator of the game. He put his all in it to win it.
I met Bill working at a hotel in Tucson. He's a class act
Was he the bellhop?
@@scottstewart5784 Bill was a guest at the hotel when he announced games
@@chuckharris4855 Yah but you said he worked at the hotel
@@scottstewart5784 oops lol
@@chuckharris4855 He is a class act, and a huge part of the no-question top 3 minimum team of all time, the 86 Celtics.
I always really respected the way Bill Walton would gush over the legendary 10 year + pre-NBA career of Arvydas Sabonis. [In an overexcited and filled with awe Bill Walton voice]: "He'd have 40 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists... and it was only the second quarter!"
Imagine if only he was allowed to play in NBA before injuries
I was there when Sabonis broke the backboard with one hand. He was 20 years old, and I was a boy, 9 years old. Real Madrid vs URSS, christmas tournament, december 26.
Before the injuries, the bad surgeries and the fat, Sabas was a freak of the nature. 7'3", running and jumping like a 6'7 player. Assists, three points, blocks, tons of rebounds and points. Bird+Lebron. IQ + brutal power + skills for everything this game needs.
is that true?
It also proves what I always believed: the best basketball players in the world are not all playing in the NBA. no way
@@JSB-2Z-2K ruclips.net/video/gqxRL7Svt7Y/видео.html that was the night. Young Sabonis vs Fernando Romay, the spanish center. They fought for a ball in this video. Romay played this year the olimpic final, vs EEUU. And blocked Michael Jordan two times, one with the right hand, the other one with the left hand. 😛 Good old days. Romay was 7'1".
You can see how Sabonis dominated the game. Rebounds, assists, good shots, faster, stronger, jumping before the injuries. The next year, in Germany, Sabonis won the European Championship with urss. That tournament saw the peak of Sabonis, and sadly, for the last time. This summer after the tournament, the pain and the bad feelings about his aquiles, started.
The biggest what if in basketball history. Sabonis healthy.
@@aha3885 god damn! He was better then Shaq. He looked like Wilt Chamberlain with moves and jump shots like Akeem Olajuwon and Toni Kukoc. He could do it all, too bad he came in the NBA late and injured
That assistant coach that spotted Walton is Hall of Fame Coach, Denny Crum, a UofL legend.
“Throw it down, big man throw it down.” -B. Walton
😂
Dunking wasn't allowed in the NCAA back then.
"What a pasth Karl Maloaann!!" - Bill Walton
The "no dunking" rule just led Lew Alcindor/Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to adapt. And the magnificent Sky Hook was born.
@@josedopwell9645 it was born and then died apparently. I can't believe not one single player has mastered it since. Literally the NBA all time leading scorers signature go to move...
Best passing centre ever. Him joining the 86 Celtics was an absolute wet dream for anybody who likes a passing game.
Thankyou squire. Really enjoyed that.
Best passing center till Nikola Jokic..
@@lepideba-chilllord931 Ever.
Nope.
Walton's optimism and pure joy in his heart. It's I infectious he always has a smile on his face and a good word for everybody.
I saw the video of Larry Birds statue unveiling in Terre Haute and they welcomed Walton to the stage...Dude grabbed the mic and went on a 10 minute rant that nobody could stop. Thanked people in the audience, gushed over Bird, smacked around Quinn Buckner and totally fucked up the whole night with his mindless Grateful Dead references...it was hysterical i was laughing so hard i popped a vessel in my head.
I love Bill Walton. Growing up in the San Diego area I've always cheered for him.
I remember after he was drafted. He was asked what he was going to do with the money he was just promised. He said he just bought "this shirt". He was incredible to watch live
Walton is a NATIONAL TREASURE. Awesome player but even better person. If he never got hurt the 1978 season, PORTLAND would have most likely been b2b champs and dynasty. Legendary big man. NBA-50 greatest and will remain on the list once expanded.
Bill Walton is a god, a legend, an institution! He's always managed to make basketball more colorful and exciting than it already is, both early on as a player and in later years as a commentator. May he live for a thousand years!
My sophomore year in high school, I got to witness Walton one afternoon as a much anticipated matchup between the top 2 teams in San Diego took place. Our Frontline went '6"9 '6"8, '6"6, and they were very good too.
Walton set the tone immediately by blocking our teams' first three shots, and I mean in a spectacular fashion.
Also in high school, Walton shot over 78 pércent from the field his senior year.
Ive been a UCLA and Walton fan ever since.
Still the best high school player I ever saw, even to this day.
Remember what year that was?
It's an absolute shame injuries prevented what could have been a 🐐 type of career. I'm glad he at least is still around, has had a super entertaining career as a broadcaster and is universally regarded as one of the kindest people in the NBA.
His man did things in 2 years in the NBA some never dream of, gotta love Bill the player and the person
Just an unbelievably talented, humble and charming dude
Funny fact. My dad lived 2 houses down from him and he had a a tent outside that he lived in and would offer weed to the 16 year olds that he let play bball on his driveway.
Fuck my guy, I never believe anything that is said in the comment section. BUT this one is the only story I will believe to be true
What a fucking legend man
Walton only had 2 healthy seasons. He won an NBA championship in both of those seasons. I've always thought he might be the best center of all time if he could've remained healthy.
John Wooden said many times that Kareem was better on offense and defense.
you smoking that stuff too I see...lol!
IF....
@@briangallagher710 True...just a personal musing on my part.
@@jdstaufferjr Jabbar averaged 3.6 assists for his career, Walton averaged 3.4. Walton was a better rebounder, Jabbar at everything else.
very well done - walton was incredible
Watching his time with Boston was enjoyable. He didn’t have to carry the load of an entire franchise. Great rebounding good shot blocker and his ability to pass with bird mchale and parrish was incredible.
RIP Bill. Throw it down big man
Essentially he was a more athletic Jokic on offense who can defend and block shots. A legend for sure.
Loved seeing Bill come back and win another ring with the Celtics.
That 86 team was so loaded
John Wooden, the Wizard of Westwood, said Walton is the best all-around center to ever play.
But as I mentioned earlier Wooden said Lew was "more valuable" since he could hurt he opposition more at both ends of the court.
I'm not 7 feet tall, but the one thing I learned from Walton that big men today (at least in the college game I mostly watch) still have not learned - you are 7 feet tall - hold the ball high and don't dribble unecessarily, you will get fouled, find the open man for an assist, or not have the ball stripped.
One of the coolest people you’ll ever meet🤞🏾
Fit perfectly in Portland
Woah what the heck, this is some crazy video quality. I'm definitely getting a professional vibe from binging these videos so keep up the good work. Remember me when you guys get popular lol
You know this is already an established company right? Their app has 10+ million downloads and their other channel "thescore eSports" has 1 million subscribers. So you are getting professional video vibes because they are professional videos.
Lol...
@@ennex_3 oh. I guess that makes more sense. Thanks for letting me know
It's Canadian that most likely why you didn't know.. As a Canadian i get it lol
@@ennex_3 it used to be a sports tv channel here in Canada too (the best one imo, btw). They were bought out (I think) a few years back and are completely digital now
I have always said for one year Bill Walton was the best big man ever! He was the "big fundamental" before Tim Duncan. Apparently he was excellent at mowing yards too! He got paid $2,000 for every lawn he cut. It was also his 5th foul not Steve Downing's, but I digress.
I loved watching him play.
Wonderful feature on Bill Walton! Thank you! :)
2:37 The long-forgotten "dink", the precursor to the "dunk" we all know today.
There was a time when dunking was illegal in college basketball. At least in the PAC 10. They would T you up.
@@keithgardner4505 , I have a feeling that I did know that at some point but I'm not 100% sure. Given what Shaq did to much better equipment later on, I guess you can understand why they may have had concerns.
wunnell it was mostly because of kareem abdul-jabbar because they wanted to make sure he wouldn’t break the ncaa
@@keithgardner4505 Yup...all the way through Walton's college career, it was illegal. Sucks that college fans never got to see David Thompson flush it at NC State. What a waste.
many players dunked during the 60s, way before that, it was forbiden in college basketball due to Kareem... they changed the rules trying to stop Kareem's abuse... it didn't work 😎
Bill was the best. What you didn't say is that the Portland Trailblazer Championship was against what at that time was the greatest collection of talent in the NBA, the Phi-Slamma-Jamma of its day, led by a young sky-flying Julius Erving. They went down 2-0 to the 76ers and went home badly beaten. Bill turned it on. He shot, he closed off the lanes, he passed, and the Blazers beat them at their own game. They won the championship in Philadelphia when Bill, thinking always, slapped the ball away from the basket instead of trying to rebound it to Lionel Hollins and the game was over.
Picking up Bill Walton was the missing piece that helped the Celtics win the NBA crown in 1985. In limited playing time, Waltons defense, rebounding and passing helped push Boston over the top. When you watch old videos, Walton and Larry Bird looked liked they had played together for many seasons instead of their first year together. It was Waltons only year in the NBA he played 80 games. For brief moments, even after all the injuries, Walton could still compete with the best NBA centers.
R.I.P. Bill Walton🕊️
I am from Portland Oregon, I am from Portland I followed his career from UCLA through the Blazers then the Celtics. I cannot tell you how many BB teams he affected in our area. What's beautiful about him is he transformed himself from being a Stutterer to being a skilled Basketball announcer. I saw him from the time he arrived in Portland from beginning I was in the building when they won the championship and celebrated with them at the celebration with them at "Chucks", great times and memories. He and Kareem were the greatest Centers from UCLA!!!
At his peak in ability and health (relatively speaking), Walton was perhaps the most ideal archetype of a center ever. If we are to judge a basketball player by his ability to play a 5v5 team game (which we should), Walton had nearly no flaws in his game compared to other great centers.
What do I mean by that? I mean 4 things:
1. Team defense.
2. Individual defense.
3. Scoring ability.
4. Understanding of team offense and your role in a good team offense.
For me, the 4th point is often missed by many great centers. It's an ability, partly instinctual, but improved through practice and good habits, that allows a player (at any position) to automatically switch between knowing when to shoot and knowing when to do "other things" that provides your team the best chance to score. Not too many centers had this ability. Walton did.
His defense was also on-point. IMO, Walton was one of the greatest defensive centers of all time.
He was also a fairly dynamic scorer, someone good enough to take over a game if he needed to. But he knew the best way to win was to balance his scoring and his "other things" so that the opposing team would be left guessing.
Alas, his injuries left us with a big "what if".
Matthew 26: 52;53
Hebrews 13:2
Thanks again for the help with the team
You forgot to mention his passing ability, not just from the post, but anywhere on the court.
@@missayawk
Yes, how can I forget? I subconsciously put his amazing passing ability into point #4, but it should really be its own bullet point. Understanding the nuances of team basketball can't quite work if you can't deliver the right pass at the right time. Every possession is important, and you need to make the most of each possession, whether by shooting, cutting, screening, or passing at the right moments.
@@Lewis.Alcindor Watching Jokic from the Nuggets play a similar game to Walton.Of course Jokic is a better shooter, but Walton was a better defender and athlete.Like to see big men like Walton, Jokic, Duncan, Arvydas Sabonis, who are PPC's( post point centers)
Certainly the greatest passing center of all-time. And healthy, no doubt top 5 centers in NBA history.
One of a kind..Saw that incredible game against Memphis R.I.P..🙏
I went to High School with Bill and his brothers (and sister). Your opening statement about access to the gym is true and he would come back while in College to practice with some friends. I was able to out-rebound him one time....because he ball hit the rim and bounced about 15 feet from the basket. Otherwise I never would have got it, he was a vacuum cleaner around the basket. His passing skills were legendary. We are so proud of his success even through the years of mental and physical problems.
On My All Time NBA Team, I have chosen 3 players for each position. At Center I have Chamberlain, Unseld and Walton.
Bill Walton is one of the 10 best overall basketball players EVER.He played both ends of the court and was one of the best passers ever.And he led a TEAM with no future Hall Of Famers to the chip.The only ones I can think of who did that was Hakeem and the Pistons (with Billups,The Wallaces, and Rip Hamilton.)The one thing all 3 teams had in common were Hall of Fame coaches.
I lived in Brentwood California, next to Westwood where Walton played for UCLA and saw almost every game on tv that he played in. He was the best college player I ever saw. His NCAA championship game he scored 40 + points on 22 of 23 shooting was the best performance I have ever seen, before or since. Pro or College.
Brandon Clarke's game reminds me so much of Bill Walton. I think the kid will surprise everyone, becoming a true star and maybe even passing Jaren as the Grizzlies second best player.
Bill Walton, the true living legend.
I lived in Portland in the 1976-77 series Joni Davis Lionel Hollins Bill Walton Maurice Lucas and Bobby gross with a starting 5 he had a hell of a team and we had a hell of a party when they won the championship
Walton's smoking an 1/8th of wax everyday..... Or he's just burned out. The man has a F'n TP in his yard.
Add KG's 2003-2004 to your shortlist (24.2pts/13.9reb/5ast/2.2blk in 82 games)
Crazy ridiculous numbers right there.👍
Don’t forget Wilt did this 4 times and they forgot about that
@@xxbreachnbabyxx thanks for bringing that up. Wilt led the league in total assists one year and played in an era when blocked shots weren't an official statistic, like sacks in the pre-1982 NFL. The major flaw in Chamberlain's game was foul shooting. If he'd shot free throws at Kareem's level he would've scored thousands of more points.
He should have his own show to just ramble ! NBA treasure one of a kind !
To anyone who may be wondering why Walton did not slam at 2:37 is due to the prohibition of such shots during that time by the NCAA. That could be attributed to Walton's predecessor at UCLA, Lew Alcindor, better known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, dominance of the game in the late 60's.
Nobody recognizes Bill Walton in their top NBA players - but he was as good as anyone that ever played - when he was healthy - which wasn't often. Too bad - because he could do it ALL!!!!!
Bill Walton is a national treasure
I know Bill very very well. He is a beautiful human being. Just the BEST!
RIP Bill Walton!
Sleep in the Stars, Bill.
May we boogie together again on the other side.
8:27 --When I was around 15 years old, I spent 2 Summers in Basketball Camp. The 2nd Year, Walton was the Resident Pro. He warmed up by dropping like 50 of those from either side of the court straight. I can't remember him missing. It was a thing of Beauty..
the best center ever.
A tremendous athlete!
Great talent cut short by injuries -just imagine what if? But Bill thanks for 86 Celtics sweet 16 that was legendary to watch A team no one could beat
Ha ha! Got to love Billy W! Always nice to hear a story about him.
For me the year was 1977 or maybe 76, anyway I was a youngster in Philly, and those Sixers were loaded with talent, they got to the finals that year, and met the Portland Trail blazers and it was then that I came to see Bill Walton, up close and my goodness he was a great damn center. He was one of the best passing centers I had ever seen, he was mean and tough, and mixed it up down low with Double D, and Caldwell Jones, and he also went at it with Doc, who himself was dealing with creaky knees, but this was before all the trouble Walton had with his feet, and what a career those injuries robbed both us and Bill, of what could've been a ridiculously good career, Walton had a nice midrange game, but he was just explosive down low, with quickness and strength. But those injuries took there toll , Portland did in fact come back from 2 games down to win that championship, but Bill got injured I think the very next season. Anyway Doc finally got his ring as everyone knows in 83, but damn what a career that never came to pass, because of those damn broken feet.
What ifs mean nothing. But what he actually did was amazing. His Blazers beat a stacked 76ers team, and his bench play for the Celtics helped cement their legacy as an all-time team. Just remember: Never jump to pass.
bill walton, when healthy, was one of the greatest, winningest centers to ever play the game. he was cerebral, passionate, hated to lose, and loved to win. the only player i've ever witnessed block a shot TO his fast break guard or grab a rebound and throw to his fast break guard before his feet had even hit the ground. shot 21 of 22 in the ncaa championship. the most most dominate performance in basketball i've ever seen. i would say the greatest performance in ncaa playoff history.
Greatest player ever, and best human around!
The best!!!
My favorite Bill quote “You will not win many games in the NBA if your go-to-guy is Michael Finley”.
Finley was a good player, not necessarily as a #1 scoring option maybe.
@@kevindickson2178 this was when Finley was the only decent player on the Mavs.
1977 was also one of the best years musically for the Grateful Dead. Their spring 1977 spring tour is ledgendary. 1985-1986 was also a great run for the Grateful Dead.
It was great to watch Walton trail down the ball on offense, his head moving left and right, long strides, barking out commands and making hand gestures for others. He was on pace to get the shot or the rebound. Pure Bill Russel with some wisdom from Wilt. I'm sure Walton got to see Wilt in LA when Wilt was built like superman..
Walton is a commentator, who’s been there done that. He’s excellent at calling games. 🔥🙌🏼‼️
As others have said it was the injurys that robbed his game. Had he stayed 100% healthy he may have been the greatest who ever played. He was just phenomenal in every aspect of the game he was that good.
Dude really dunked on Kareem like it was nothing sheesh
Best outlet pass in history for a center. Got the rebound and got rid of the ball downcourt before the guards could even get started.
I was 10 here in Oregon that chip year...I can still hear Shonley Holler "rebound WALTON!" The ball was at half court before his feet hit the boards again.
As a kid, I talked with coach Jack Ramsay in the 80’s at a camp he held at Willamette University. He said as good as that championship team was, the following year they were far better. Walton’s broken foot stopped a sure back to back Championship. That catastrophic injury paved the way for the Sonics to get their only title though, so at least the Northwest came out a winner.
I grew up in the 60s and 70s and got to watch Bill Russell's Celtics, Red Holtman's Knicks, and Wooden's Bruins all before I graduated high school. I had no idea how lucky I was.
Bill Walton was a magnificent player. Too bad he got hurt. The few years that he did play with Trailblazers were amazing.