Latest news with #BillWalton
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
"Walton can do it all" - Ex-Blazers coach believed Bill Walton was better than Russell and Wilt
"Walton can do it all" - Ex-Blazers coach believed Bill Walton was better than Russell and Wilt originally appeared on Basketball Network. The late Bill Walton stands out as one of the most gifted big men in NBA history. Before injuries hampered his illustrious career, Walton showcased a remarkable array of skills that set him apart from his peers. Advertisement In his prime, Big Red was a force to be reckoned with, demonstrating exceptional versatility both offensively and defensively. Bill's ability to control the game was nothing short of mesmerizing as he could score, rebound and stop his opponents. Walton's presence in the paint was a game-changer, leading many fans and analysts to draw comparisons to legends such as Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain. In fact, former Portland Trail Blazers coach Dr. Jack Ramsay even considered Bill a superior version of the iconic big men. "Bill Russell was a great shot blocker. Wilt Chamberlain was a great offensive player. But Walton can do it all," Ramsay told Sport magazine. "I was with the Boston Celtics when Russell came into the league," Lakers Coach Bill Sharman told the Los Angeles Times. "Walton is the same type of player. Extremely intelligent — but besides that, he has tremendous basketball instinct." Advertisement Walton's legendary transformation Prior to turning pro, Big Red was already an exceptional player. He led UCLA to two national championships and was named the Naismith College Player of the Year three times during his college years. As expected, many anticipated Walton's arrival in the NBA. In 1974, after averaging 19.3 points and 14.7 rebounds in his junior year, Bill was drafted by the Blazers as the No. 1 overall pick. Walton quickly established himself as one of the most dominant centers in the league. In 1977, he was named an All-Star for the first time. That same year, Bill also made history and led the Blazers to their first NBA championship. The following year, he was crowned the NBA's MVP. Advertisement Unfortunately, Walton suffered multiple injuries after his MVP season. However, along with his recovery, Big Red also showed his maturity as a player. He reinvented himself and embraced a different role on the court. By transforming his game, Walton won one more NBA title with the Boston Celtics in 1986 as a role player. Bill's efforts did not go unnoticed as he was also named the league's Sixth Man of the Year that season. Related: Pippen once missed a layup to prevent MJ from getting a triple-double in the 1997 Finals: "I didn't want him to tie me" Walton is arguably the NBA's GOAT center Some may argue that Russell, Chamberlain or any legendary big man shouldn't be compared to Walton, as each of them had distinct greatness and legacy. However, for renowned sports writer and host Bill Simmons, Bill was just different. In fact, Simmons even once assessed that Big Red may have become the greatest center of all time. Advertisement "As you know, I love Bill Walton," Simmons once said. "He was the epilogue of my book. I think he is the greatest what-if guy of the last 50 years. He was the best player on the planet for 18 months. How we feel about [Nikola] Jokic right now, we felt about Bill Walton. ... On paper may be the greatest center ever in terms of total package. Russell is the greatest center, and Kareem's the second-best center. But if you're just talking about tools and ceiling and what a center can do on both ends, doing the stuff Jokic did in the playoffs combined with shot-blocking and rebounding." In 1993, Walton was finally inducted into the Hall of Fame as a two-time champion, two-time All-Star and Finals MVP, among others. He was also named one of the NBA's greatest 75 players. Today, Bill's impact on the game still leaves an indelible mark that continues to resonate with fans and players alike. Related: 'They talk about Jokic being the most skilled center, but Bill Walton was first!' - Magic Johnson pays tribute to the late Bill Walton This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Fox News
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Thunder Complete Dream Season With Title
They're the second youngest team to win an NBA title, after the 1976-1977 Portland Trailblazers, led by the late basketball legend Bill Walton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit FOX News Radio
Forbes
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Bill Walton's Auction Is A Long, Strange Trip Through His Life
Former basketball player and sportscaster Bill Walton, who passed away last year, gestures after ... More throwing the first pitch at a San Diego Padres game in 2019. The Walton family is auctioning his possessions and donating a portion of the funds to the UC San Diego Health Center. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez, File) The auction of Bill Walton's personal memorabilia is nearing its end and in the words of the basketball great, if you have a bid, throw it down. Artifacts from Walton's days as one of the game's all-time best players, mementos from his road to greatness and, of course, treats from his long, strange trip following the Grateful Dead, are among the nearly 300 items being presented by Hunt Auctions. Walton, who won two titles in the NBA and at UCLA, passed away last year after a battle with cancer. Bill Walton (5) of the Boston Celtics goes up to block the shot of Paul Pressey (25) of the ... More Milwaukee Bucks during an 1986 game. Walton won the NBA title that season with the Celtics. (Photo by Focus) "On behalf of the entire Walton family, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to Hunt Auctions for its meticulous care in organizing Bill's possessions,'' said Lori Walton, his widow. The treasure drove of Walton items is just that. Everything from the first rim he aimed for at his La Mesa, Calif., home to his Helix High School letterman's jacket. Many items from Bill Walton's run to the NBA title with the Portland Trail Blazers, are available ... More through his auction of personal items. From his UCLA stint as the leader of the Walton Gang, there are his NCAA champion rings, watches, awards, game-worn jerseys and shoes. Walton also won NBA championships with the Portland Trail Blazers and the Boston Celtics and both of those title runs are well-represented. Among the momentos are his uniforms, signed basketballs and even the Wallace Park shirt Walton made famous when wearing it during the Trail Blazers' 1977 championship parade. Walton, a prolific reader and letter-writer, has signed replies and notes from the likes of John Wooden, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bob Cousy and Rick Barry. Music was among the things Walton embraced with the same zest as he did sports and literture. A son of a trumpet player, Walton's love of the Grateful Dead, and others, is found with his various souvenirs. Bill Walton attends the Grateful Dead concert at California State University at Dominguez Hills in ... More 1990 in Carson, Calif. (Photo by) Bids are open on the iconic Father Time outfits he wore at the Grateful Dead's New Year Eve's shows, his collection of tie-dyed T-shirts, a framed collage collection of backstage passes, jackets, signed photos, posters and two custom-made, Grateful Dead-theme bikes. Other groups that Walton obtained autographed items from include Fleetwood Mac, Chicago and Pearl Jam. Among the auction's benefactors is the University of California San Diego Health Center. It was there that Walton had an operation that allowed him to regain his mobility. 'In 2008, Bill underwent life-saving back surgery at UC San Diego Health, and he credits his surgeon, Dr. Steven Garfin, for his remarkable recovery,'' Lori Walton said. "In honor of Dr. Garfin, we are donating a portion of the auction proceeds to UC San Diego Health.'' Bids remain open through Thursday at 'The items in the auction held immense sentimental value for Bill,'' Lori Walton said. 'We are hopeful that they find loving homes where they will be cherished just as much as Bill did.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
San Diego nonprofit starts Walton legacy project on first anniversary of his death
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — On the one-year anniversary of the passing of San Diego native and NBA champion Bill Walton, San Diego Sport Innovators (SDSI) announced it will pay homage to its former Chairman with the announcement of the Walton Innovation Network (WIN). The two-time NBA champion, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame member and San Diego native died in San Diego on May 27, 2024, at the age of 71 after a prolonged battle with colon cancer. The announcement was made on the one-year anniversary of his death — May 27, 2025. SDSI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the development of the San Diego lifestyle industry. One of the products of their association is a business group accelerator to help mentor people creating businesses. Walton served as Executive Chairman at SDSI for 14 years up until his passing. Bill Walton's iconic basketball collection up for auction in June 2025 Phase one of the Bill Walton Legacy Project, the Walton Innovation Network will be an expansion of SDSI's current mentoring programs that will support entrepreneurs, innovators, athletes and dreamers, SDSI's Executive Director said. 'The Walton Innovation Network (WIN) will be an expansion of SDSI's current mentoring programs — dear to Bill's heart — into a network of programs dedicated to his legacy of uplifting others, hard work and giveback,' explained SDSI Executive Director Bob Rief. 'WIN will support the entrepreneurs, innovators, athletes, and dreamers — in all stages of business from ideation, scale, through funding – who are changing the future of our industry.' Bill Walton honored at San Diego Gulls game with bobblehead giveaway, specialty jerseys SDSI said its business mentoring programs were built on Walton's mantra 'the best way to get to where you are going, is to ask someone who is on their way back.' 'SDSI is community, and community is people,' added SDSI Board member Mike Irwin. 'What SDSI does best is equip people for success. Bill's inherent curiosity about people is what made him such a natural helper. And with the announcement of WIN, we are just getting started and when it comes to preserving Bill's legacy, the future is full of possibilities.' Helix honors Bill Walton and teammates from 1969-1970 CIF Championship teams With the help of more than 100 volunteer executive mentors, SDSI mentor programs have helped to scale more than 150 businesses, 78% of which are still active or have been acquired, the nonprofit said. Anyone running a new company who is looking for information on the business group accelerator program or those interested in providing leadership can visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
New York Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Thunder near NBA Finals, but stupid rule rears its head again as playoff drama grows
The Bounce Newsletter | This is The Athletic's daily NBA newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Bounce directly in your inbox. On this date one year ago, the great Bill Walton passed away. Let's remember the legend by watching this compilation of his funniest basketball announcing moments. OKC's big three puts Thunder on brink of finals All season long, the Thunder's dominance has been hesitantly accepted because of their youth. Could this young core step up under the brightest lights and on the biggest stage? After the Timberwolves showed big-time signs of life with a 42-point win in Game 3 of this series, the Thunder had a chance to put their opponents back in peril by taking Game 4 at the Target Center. But they would need more than just Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drawing a bunch of fouls and scoring a lot of points. Advertisement SGA dropped 40 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds in another game with a lot of free throws and a lot of jump shots the Wolves couldn't guard. But it was Jalen Williams scoring 14 of his 34 points and Chet Holmgren scoring nine of his 21 points in the fourth quarter to bring home the 128-126 victory. The Thunder now head home with a 3-1 series lead. It was a phenomenal answer back from a complete dud the previous game, getting a taste of their own blowout medicine. The Thunder didn't play the same shutdown defense we expected. They allowed 41 points in the fourth quarter, and Minnesota outscored them in both the third and fourth periods. The Wolves also hit over 40 percent of their 3-pointers for the second straight game, and actually found their way to the free-throw line (we'll get to that in a minute) more often than the Thunder did. But the Thunder did still keep forcing turnovers with 14 of Minnesota's 23 turnovers coming on live-ball miscues. While the Thunder absolutely earned their win, the ending of the game was once again devoid of drama thanks to the NBA's embracing of games decided by accounting errors and spreadsheets, rather than basketball. We've talked about this time and time again in this space, and we'll continue to bang this drum until the NBA fixes the stupid rule: Teams should not be allowed to foul up by three (or do a hack-a strategy). The Wolves had two possessions in the final eight seconds of a three-point game with a chance to tie with a 3-pointer … except, because the NBA allows intentional fouls – even though they ruled transition take fouls to be illegal without a shred of consistency to this concept on intentional fouls – the end of this game is robbed of a potential game-tying attempt. The Thunder operated within the current dumb rule. They fouled up three. The Wolves shot two free throws. And eventually, the spreadsheet approach overcame the basketball. Advertisement It was a fun game and finish up until that point. And the viewers weren't respected enough once again to be given a chance to see an exciting shot. I don't know why the NBA thinks this should be allowed or the hack-a strategy is good for business. Intentional fouls are illegal until they're not, as long as they have the proper branding (transition take fouls). Maybe if we call them 'TV ratings prevention fouls' then the NBA will try to give us more finishes that don't feel like someone 'yada yada yada'd' at the end of the game. OKC can close out and move on to the NBA Finals Wednesday night. You can watch on ESPN or stream on Fubo for free! (Despite what I just said, basketball is usually fun to watch.) Mavericks want to time travel with Cooper Flagg 🏀 Time hopping. The Mavs are going to take Cooper Flagg first overall. It'll give them a two-timeline approach. 🏀 Homecoming. Holmgren learned his game in Minneapolis. He's showing off there now. 💺 He's back. Our long national crisis is over: Tyrese Haliburton's dad is attending Pacers games again. 🏀 Dedication. Karl-Anthony Towns had a big game this weekend. He dedicated it to his mom. 🎧 Tuning in. Today's 'NBA Daily' examines whether the Thunder's current big three is the best in franchise history. Knicks' season saved by star big man The Knicks still have a lot of work to do in order to feel good about the Eastern Conference finals. They enter tonight's Game 4 in Indianapolis still in desperate need of a victory. They can't go down 3-1 to the Pacers. It wouldn't be quite as dire as the Wolves' situation above with OKC having home-court advantage. The Knicks would potentially have two of the last three games at home. But the 3-1 comeback is something that happens about a quarter of the time. The reason the Knicks are in a position to even the series at 2-2 is because Towns saved their season in Game 3. It was more than just him, but KAT was the main reason on a night New York found itself down by 20 points in the second quarter and struggling through a tough Jalen Brunson scoring effort. To his credit, Tom Thibodeau made some adjustments to try to ignite some things. Advertisement He inserted Mitchell Robinson into the starting lineup for Josh Hart. He played Landry Shamet and Delon Wright off the bench. He trusted Deuce McBride with key minutes. But the biggest thing that rang true is that Towns, who struggled through the first three quarters, remembered one very important thing: Myles Turner and the Pacers can't guard him. They never have been able to. He has torched the Pacers his entire career. Through the first three quarters, he had four points on 2-of-8 shooting (0-of-3 from deep), seven rebounds, four turnovers and four fouls. Yeesh. In the fourth quarter, it all changed. The 29-year-old played all but 36 seconds in the final period and matched the Pacers in scoring output. He had 20 points on 6-of-9 shooting, 3-of-4 from deep and 5-of-6 from the line. He also had eight rebounds. It was big because Brunson played fewer than three minutes in the final period due to foul trouble. The Knicks relied on their defensive effort and Towns' scoring. Now, they'll need him to keep doing it because the Pacers don't have answers. The Knicks, in turn, have to find a way to slow down the Pacers' attack again. Indiana had an uncharacteristically low assist-to-turnover ratio (21:12) and shot just 5-of-25 from downtown. Is that something the Knicks can expect to happen again on the road? We'll see if the Pacers can restore their dominant identity in Game 4. The story of the greatest players in NBA history. In 100 riveting profiles, top basketball writers justify their selections and uncover the history of the NBA in the process. The story of the greatest players in NBA history. Award SZN ended with fantastic vibes On Friday, the final component of NBA awards season dropped when the league announced the All-NBA teams. As a completionist, I feel the need to do a section on arguably the biggest award given out aside from MVP, even though it happened four days ago. That's the All-NBA honors. I don't feel the need to give you my entire résumé as a completionist to prove that this is just how I operate. Just know that I watched every episode of 'Ballers.' These are the All-NBA teams. I'll also drop some things I found interesting below: First Team Second Team Third Team It's always cool to see guys get their first All-NBA selections. I know the number of All-Star selections is usually the highest honor thrown around for players, but All-NBA is a far more prestigious accolade. One recognizes you're either popular or having a great start to the season. The other acknowledges you were one of the 15 best players for that entire season. It should be talked about far more than All-Star selections as accolades. Advertisement The First Team was pretty obvious because with the positionless voting now, it should always be what the final MVP ballot ended up as. That's what happened here. For the Second Team, I don't really have any surprises. It wasn't quite my ballot, but we can get into that in a little bit. For me, the Third Team had one curious inclusion. With that, let's jump into All-NBA Snubs! Snubbery! Those are the only real snubs I have there. Nobody else came close in the voting. Harden is the inclusion I am shocked made it. He was good this season, but I didn't think he was one of the 15 players in the league. I didn't even think he was an All-Star over teammate Norm Powell or the best Clipper for the entire season over Ivica Zubac. That's not any shade at Harden. I'm just surprised his shooting inefficiency and turnover issues didn't knock him down. Financial implications for the selections and snubs There are some interesting financial implications with these awards and snubs! Some of the max extension bumps are tied to All-NBA honors, so here's what to know about those: 📬 Love The Bounce? Check out The Athletic's other newsletters. Streaming links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
