Before Game 4 of the ECF between the Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers, the NBA commemorated an icon, a larger-than-life athlete. After a prolonged battle with cancer, Trail Blazer legend Bill Walton passed away at the age of 71. The massive outpour of love and memories followed by his NBA family. Walton was more than a basketball player, he set the standard for what it means to be an athlete.

Walton’s career was short due to major injuries to both his feet. Spanning only 468 games, the Hall of Famer won an MVP, Sixth Man of The Year, and an NBA championship with the Celtics in 1986. When on the court, Walton had an invigorating charm that assured his teammates and rejuvenated their spirits. Walton was also named to both the NBA’s 50th and 75th-anniversary teams, a nod to his illustrious career.

But where does the decorated center rank all time? Three seasons ago, veteran media analyst Skip Bayless went as far as ranking him above Stephen Curry, who had just claimed a fourth title and his first Finals MVP. Why? At first, Bayless reminded his then-partner Shannon Sharpe of Curry’s past failures, notably his critical errors in the 2016 and 2019 NBA Finals.

In contrast, the 72-year-old has seen Walton’s meteoric rise to basketball greatness since he was at UCLA. Recalling his iconic national championship game when Bill Walton shot 21 for 22. Bayless said “Bill Walton was it. He was an agile gazelle whose the greatest passing big man I have ever seen. And he played on a pogo stick, he was such a quick jumper. And he could blocks shots, rim protect like nobody out this side of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar”. 

Walton won three national championships with the Bruins. He probably meant more to the UCLA program than any other collegiate athlete coming out of those gates. Walton was a transcending talent, a gift basketball could only experience for a short time. But it was magical, breathtaking, and some of the best work the NBA had witnessed from a man his size.

NBA community honors the life of Bill Walton

Walton became a loved personality in the NBA circles. He wasn’t simply a Hall of Famer who battled and best some of the very greats. After his basketball career, Bill Walton transitioned to broadcasting. His words were uncontrolled and at times random, but that’s what made him an adored member on the mic.

Upon hearing the news of his passing, many NBA stars and legends spoke about his indelible legacy and honored his long life. “I am sad today hearing that my comrade and one of the sports world’s most beloved champions and characters has passed” said Dr. Julius Erving, a peer of Walton and a legend he beat in the NBA Finals to cement his place in the pantheon of icons.

Larry Bird, a teammate of Walton when he won 6MOTY with Boston also shared his experience with the legendary big man. “It was a thrill for me to play with my childhood idol and together we earned an NBA championship in 1986. He is one of the greatest ever to play the game. I am sure that all of my teammates are as grateful as I am that we were able to know Bill. He was such a joy to know and he will be sorely missed”, said the three-time NBA champion.

There won’t be another Bill Walton coming to the NBA. The Hall of Famer was a visionary, charismatic, humorous, and competitive all wrapped in a 7-foot frame. He will be remembered for his upbeat personality, joyous commentary, and basketball greatness.

If you want to know about the life of another great -Shaquille O’Neal, make sure to watch our conversation with his former agent Leonard Armato in this video below.