Hall of Famer Bill Walton, 2-time Champ at UCLA and in NBA, Dies
quote:
Basketball legend Bill Walton, who led the UCLA Bruins to two national titles before winning two championships during his NBA career, has died at the age of 71 after a prolonged battle with cancer.
He was larger than life. I can’t say I really enjoyed listening to him doing college basketball, but he was certainly interesting. “The Conference of Champions!” That’s how I’ll remember him.
_______________________________________________________ despite them
May 27, 2024, 02:43 PM
6guns
I'm sorry to hear this. I remember him and being a critical addition to the Celtics.
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May 27, 2024, 03:35 PM
oddball
Along with Lew Alcindor (Kareem Jabbar) and Pete Maravich, Bill Walton was one of the greatest NCCA players in history. I remember watching some of those UCLA games on TV in Los Angeles as a kid. And back when I cared about NBA basketball, he was an instrumental bench player, the 6th man, on the 1986 Boston Celtics, perhaps the greatest basketball team in NBA history.
He was a hippie Deadhead vegan nut, his politics followed that 1960s paradigm (Larry Bird and Kevin McHale used to razz him for his hippie personality), but he was a hell of a player in his day. Even though he was a walking emergency room, he still always worked hard, did whatever that was needed for the team, didn't bitch and moan, and was extremely enthusiastic about basketball.
"I’m not going to read Time Magazine, I’m not going to read Newsweek, I’m not going to read any of these magazines; I mean, because they have too much to lose by printing the truth"- Bob Dylan, 1965
May 27, 2024, 04:03 PM
ridgerat
A beloved Bruin.
Endowment Life Member, NRA • Member of FPC, GOA, 2AF & Arizona Citizens Defense League
May 27, 2024, 04:15 PM
bendable
Top five of his era. Always a joy to watch
Safety, Situational Awareness and proficiency.
Neck Ties, Hats and ammo brass, Never ,ever touch'em w/o asking first
May 27, 2024, 04:31 PM
cruiser68
I was a big fan of his in college and pro. As a Celtics fan I got to see him up close. He was a great basketball player and an even better human being!
May 27, 2024, 05:29 PM
ZSMICHAEL
I saw him play for UCLA and John wooden. Lew Alcinder was quite the player back them. A lot more likeable than our current players.
May 27, 2024, 05:47 PM
navyshooter
He was a hell of a player in his day.
"Blessed is he who when facing his own demise, thinks only of his front sight.”
Malo periculosam, libertatem quam quietam servitutem
Montani Semper Liberi
May 27, 2024, 07:27 PM
old rugged cross
The Trailblazer team in 76/77' was an incredibly unique team. Total unselfish group. Walton was an amazing passer. Maurice Lucas was the enforcer. Had a trio of guards and Bobby gross was the recipient of Waltons passe's. It was an incredible and unlikely championship season. Iirc they were down 0-3 to the Sixers and came back to win. Unfortunately Walton had chronic foot problems and could not overcome them in PDX. He had a severe stuttering problem that he worked very hard to overcome and had a very good broadcasting career. I believe he stayed married to his oriental sweetheart.
God speed Bill. Thanks for all the memories.
"Practice like you want to play in the game"
May 27, 2024, 08:32 PM
HK Ag
“ … tell your old man to drag Walton and Lanier up and down the court for 48 minutes…”. Roger Murdock
May 27, 2024, 08:48 PM
Bassamatic
I remember watching him during his Trailblazer days. He was probably the best ball handler I have ever seen
.....never marry a woman who is mean to your waitress.
May 28, 2024, 01:12 PM
Blackmore
quote:
Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL: I saw him play for UCLA and John wooden. Lew Alcinder was quite the player back them. A lot more likeable than our current players.
Harshest Dream, Reality
May 28, 2024, 02:24 PM
TMats
Bill Walton, the most famous Deadhead of all.
Link to Walton telling a story: Celtics and the Grateful Dead
