Bill Walton, a basketball center known for his exceptional passing and rebounding skills, passed away at the age of 71 in San Diego. He had won multiple national college championships with U.C.L.A. and later went on to win titles with the Portland Trail Blazers and the Boston Celtics in the N.B.A. Despite overcoming a stutter, Walton became a well-known broadcast commentator as well. The N.B.A. announced that he had passed away due to cancer.
As a player, Walton was a 6-foot-11 redhead who was a devoted fan of the Grateful Dead. He played under the renowned U.C.L.A. coach John Wooden and helped anchor the team that achieved back-to-back N.C.A.A. championships in 1972 and 1973. Walton was named the national college player of the year three times and had a significant impact on U.C.L.A.’s 88-game winning streak that began in 1971. One of his most memorable performances was in the 1973 national championship game against Memphis State, where he scored 44 points on 21-for-22 shooting and had 11 rebounds.
After being selected first overall in the 1974 N.B.A. draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, Walton faced challenges including injuries, criticism over his vegetarian diet, and his unconventional appearance. Despite this, he went on to win a championship in 1977 under Coach Jack Ramsay. Throughout his N.B.A. career, Walton dealt with numerous injuries, preventing him from playing a full season. Despite this, he was named the most valuable player in the 1977-78 season, playing in just 58 games. The question remained of how good Walton could have been without his injuries, possibly rivaling legendary players like Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Walton’s injury struggles traced back to his teenage years when he suffered a knee injury during a playground game. His memoir, “Back From the Dead: Searching for the Sound, Shining the Light and Throwing It Down” reveals that his feet were malformed, leading to numerous stress fractures and ultimately, the end of his basketball career. Walton underwent nearly 40 surgeries on his feet and ankles, highlighting the toll his playing style took on his body. Despite the setbacks, Walton remained resilient and continued to make significant contributions to the sport of basketball.
The legacy of Bill Walton extends beyond his playing career, with his impact felt in his broadcasting work and his influence on future players. His unique skills on the court and his ability to overcome adversity have solidified his place in basketball history. Walton’s passing is mourned by the basketball community, with a full obituary set to celebrate his life and achievements in the sport.
