(Photo Credit: Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
By: Carl Coulanges
I had to take a moment and reflect on what Bill Walton meant to the game I love. The first thoughts were he’s funny, brutal, but honest. My first memory of Bill was back in the 90s when I was introduced to basketball. Bill was a color analyst on NBC and every Sunday, I was glued to the Tv to watch the triple headers. I knew one game would feature the voice of Walton. From his comedic tone, to side off topic conversations, to his voice calling players “Terrible,” Bill was the most entertaining NBA analyst during that time.
The more I listened, the more I learned about who he was. He mentioned playing for the Boston Celtics and he loved discussing his time with the Portland Trailblazers. Once the internet became a source for research and information, I had the opportunity to look up his stats, accomplishments, and his legacy. Many features were released about his career in Portland and what he meant to the city.
In heated debates about the greatest players in NBA History, several of my peers have claimed Walton to be a one hit wonder and overrated. When you really think about it, it’s tough to overrate players we never watched because the stat sheet can only tell half a story. It’s also not just about the stats. His passion and drive for the Blazers is enough to coin him the captain for life.
According to NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson, “They talk about Jokic being the most skilled center but Bill Walton was first! From shooting jump shots to making incredible passes, he was one of the smartest basketball players to ever live.” Magic is just one of many former players who can cosign how great Bill was and for me, listening to the players tell the story of other great legends is reassuring. When evaluating his basketball career, Walton checks all the boxes to be considered a great.
- 2 Time NCAA Champion (1972, 1973)
- 2 Time NCAA Final Four Outstanding Player (1972,1973)
- 3 Time College Player of The Year (1972-1974)
- No. 32 retired by UCLA Bruins
- NBA Champion (1977)
- NBA Finals MVP (1977)
- NBA MVP (1978)
- NBA Sixth Man of The Year (1986)
- NBA Rebounding Leader (1977)
- NBA Blocks Leader (1977)
- All-NBA First Team (1978)
- All- NBA Second Team (1977)
- 2 Time All NBA Defensive Team (1977,1978)
- NBA Anniversary Team (50th, 75th)
- No. 32 Retired by Portland Trailblazers
It’s no secret his foot injury derailed his playing career, personally I believe a basketball career extends beyond your playing days. Life after basketball leads to becoming a coach, executive, or a broadcaster like Walton. His television career spans over 30 years at following companies;
- CBS (1990)
- NCAA on CBS (1991)
- NBC (1990-2002)
- Los Angeles Clippers (1990-2002)
- ABC/ESPN (2002-2009)
- Sacramento Kings (2010-2012)
- ESPN/PAC-12 (2012-2024)
In addition, Walton won an Emmy for Best Live Sports Television Broadcast in 2001, CoSIDA Dick Enberg Award in 2018, and a 7 time Southern California Sports Broadcasters Association Award for Best Television Analyst/Commentator (1992,1993,1995,1996,1998,1999, 2000).
In this moment and time of your passing, all I can say is THANK YOU for your contributions to basketball, television, and humanity. RIP William Theodore Walton III.
Like, Share, Comment, and Subscribe to all Sports Hit list content.
https://www.youtube.com/user/CoulangesProductions
Instagram @sportshl
Twitter @sportsHitList
Facebook The Sports Hit List
The Sports Hit List 