The basketball world was shocked to learn of the passing of the renowned Bill Walton during the current postseason. Walton, a Hall of Famer most remembered for his tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers, lost his fight with cancer at the age of 71. LeBron James was among the many who lamented his passing. The Trail Blazers released a video memorializing Walton on X, and James chose to post the two-minute piece.
One may characterize Walton’s career as “complete” given the center’s abundance of success in both the amateur and professional ranks. Walton won two consecutive titles with UCLA in 1972 and 1973. Walton broke the record for the most points scored by a player in basketball NCAA Division I championship game with 44 points in his first title win. Walton won three times as the National College Player of the Year during his time with the Bruins. Eventually, UCLA basketball retired his number 32.
The large guy advanced to the professional ranks in 1974, being selected first overall in the NBA draft of that year. Walton participated in 10 seasons of play despite having a history of foot problems. He won two NBA titles with the Trail Blazers (1977) and the Boston Celtics (1986).
He had his best years with Portland. Walton won MVP honors in the 1977–78 campaign. He had 18.9 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game on average that year. Walton was awarded the MVP of the finals the season before, when he won the championship (1976–77), when he finished six games against the Philadelphia 76ers with 18.5 points and 19.0 rebounds.
In addition to LeBron James, several prominent athletes who wore purple and gold also honored the late center.
Magic Johnson, who has fought Walton on a number of occasions, wrote a lengthy article on X.
“To a friend, two-time NBA champion, Hall of Famer, and one of the best centers we’ve ever seen, Bill Walton, may you rest in peace!” Johnson began his statement with a letter.
Magic then discussed Walton’s play in the NCAA final and his big-man abilities.
