“I grew up in an non-athletic family, where my parents were interested in …” Well, that never stopped Bill Walton from becoming what he is. But isn’t it surprising how coming from an ordinary family, Walton managed to crack the big stage? His father was a music teacher, while his mother was a librarian. So how did Walton get into sports? It was his older brother who led his way into basketball. And after a few years, he was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft for the Portland Trail Blazers. But what went wrong with the team that he led to their first and only NBA championship?

With Walton anchoring the team, the Blazers clinched their first and only NBA championship in the 1976–77 season. His exceptional performance throughout the playoffs, particularly in the Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers, earned him the Finals MVP. Walton’s presence not only elevated the team’s performance but also ignited a fervent fan base in Portland, leading to the phenomenon known as “Blazermania.”

So, how did his run with the Blazers end? Well, it was a shock to all when the news came out. Notably, Walton’s tenure with the Trail Blazers was marred by injuries. During the 1977–78 season, he suffered a significant foot injury that sidelined him. This hindered the team’s aspirations for a consecutive championship. Frustrations mounted as Walton became discontented with the team’s medical staff, believing his injuries were mishandled.

This was the straw that broke the camel’s back. It caused dissatisfaction, which ended in his request for a trade-in 1978. When the Blazers declined, Walton chose to sit out the entire 1978–79 season, eventually leaving the team as a free agent. A pity indeed.

However, despite the bittersweet ending, the Portland Trail Blazers knew what Walton did for the team, and eventually honored Walton by retiring his No. 32 jersey on November 3, 1989. It is not over yet; the team is soon going to pay tribute to the late NBA legend as well. But it does feel dreamy, that someone who didn’t see basketball while growing up became serious about the sport in his high school days. And then, it was a journey from UCLA to the NCAA where he became the Player of the Year 3 times in a row! So the magic for the Blazers was always loading.

The passing of the legend: Bill Walton

The unfortunate news struck like lightning to the basketball fans last year. Basketball legend Bill Walton passed away at 71 after a battle with prostate cancer. It’s a disease affecting the gland located below the bladder in men. However, it was not confirmed which type Walton battled. The NBA then announced the news on behalf of his family. The league even honored him with a moment of silence before the night’s playoff game! This only goes to show just how big of an impact Walton had on the sport as a whole.

Walton’s battle with cancer was a tough one, though he rarely spoke about it publicly. He faced it with the same resilience that defined his career—pushing through pain, and never losing his passion for life. Even in his final years, he remained active, attending games and sharing his love for basketball.

Walton wasn’t just a great player—he was a personality larger than life. From winning championships at UCLA to dominating the NBA, he can easily be considered one of the greatest ever to set foot on the hardwood. Even after injuries cut his playing career short, he found a second calling in broadcasting, where his colorful commentary made him a fan favorite.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver summed it up perfectly: “What I will remember most about him was his zest for life.” Off the court, Walton was passionate about social issues, always using his voice to push for change. His boundless energy, love for the game, and unique perspective made him unforgettable. Though he’s gone, his legacy will continue to inspire.