Celebrating Bill Walton’s Incredible Life and NBA Legacy as Dark Cloud Shrouds Basketball World

As Stephen Curry said, Bill Walton always brought the “best energy and humanity” into any situation, which is why he was not just a great basketball player, but a great human too. But what’s devastating is that good souls like Walton face the toughest battles in life. At the age of 71, the Portland Trailblazers legend peacefully passed away after fighting a hard battle with prostate cancer, leaving behind a legacy to cherish. 

Bill Walton is one of the greatest No. 1 draft picks of the NBA. Witnessing his unmatched performance in college basketball for the UCLA Bruins, the Portland Trailblazers drafted him as a no.1 pick in the 1974 NBA draft. The first two seasons after Walton was drafted, the Blazers did not even qualify for the playoffs. However, there was a drastic change in the 1976-77 season, when Maurice Lucas – pivotal for changing Portland basketball – was drafted.

Alongside him, Walton came to be a part of a formidable duo, outperforming some of the best teams in the Western Conference. Despite finishing third, Walton led the Blazers all the way to the NBA Finals. “Bill’s our leader,” then rookie Johnny Davis had iterated. “It’s just in his personality. Bill’s such a great player, he brings out the best in the players around him.” Walton then went on to win his first-ever championship and Finals MVP, which instantly made him one of the best centers in the league.

 His championship stint did not end there. Later, he added a second championship to his resume in 1986, with Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics, which was considered one of the strongest teams in the NBA back then. 

Walton changed the game for a center. Youngsters in college followed his path, which made him a pioneer. However, his achievements did not start with the Blazers or in the NBA. He was dominant, ever since he started playing for the UCLA Bruins. 

Why is Bill Walton considered one of the greatest centers of the NCAA?

For starters, as a 6-foot-11, 235-pound center, Walton helped the Bruns win 88 consecutive games, which is still an unbeaten NCAA record. Walton joined UCLA for one main reason: He had immense love for Hall of Fame coach Joe Wooden, who shaped the early days of Walton’s career. It was under his guidance, Walton helped the Bruins bring home two consecutive NCAA championships in 1972 and 1973.

Another ode to his success in the NCAA would be winning the Naismith College Player of the Year award, in all three seasons he played in college basketball. Many would say Walton was dominant, but according to Coach Wooden, he was “intelligent“.

Wooden shared about Walton, “As a player, Bill was one of the greatest who ever performed at his position at every level of competition…There are many true students of the sport who consider him to be the very finest when all aspects of the games are taken into consideration.” As a high schooler, college player, and NBA professional, Walton showcased his immense love for the game through his achievements. He has bid farewell to the NBA world, but his legacy will continue to live.