When it comes to the most historic players in Portland Trail Blazers history, Bill Walton definitely has a good chance of topping this list. He was the best player on Portland’s only championship team in 1977. The following season, he was named league MVP.
Sadly, Walton passed away almost three months ago on May 27th from complications of cancer. He was known to several generations, either as a dominant player or as an entertaining commentator of the NBA and later college basketball.
The Trail Blazers have announced a date for next season when they will celebrate Walton’s life.
Trail Blazers announce date to celebrate Bill Walton’s life
Celebration of Walton’s life will take place in March
On March 9, 2025, the Trail Blazers will celebrate the life of the great Bill Walton. On that day, they will play against the Detroit Pistons. The choice of this date has significance. Detroit’s assistant coaching staff under head coach JB Bickerstaff includes Luke Walton, Bill’s son. Luke himself had a 10-year playing career in the NBA, winning two titles with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Blazers announce that the March 9 game against Detroit will be all about Bill Walton. (Note: His son Luke is an assistant coach for the Pistons and will therefore also be there.)
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) 22 August 2024
Legendary college and NBA playing career
Walton was selected first overall in the 1974 NBA Draft by the Trail Blazers. Before that, Walton played an incredible four years at the collegiate level for UCLA. He was named national player of the year as a sophomore, junior and fourth year student. The Bruins won back-to-back national championships in 1972 and 1973. Under legendary head coach John Wooden, Walton and UCLA once won 88 consecutive games.
Although Walton only played four seasons for the Trail Blazers, his impact on the city will never be forgotten. In his third season, 1976-77, Portland won its only championship. Walton finished second in MVP voting that season, as he led the league in rebounds (14.4) and blocks (3.2). He was named MVP of the 1977 Finals after the Trail Blazers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in six games.
In the 1977-78 season, Walton was named NBA MVP. That season, he averaged 18.9 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.5 blocks. In addition, he was selected to the All-Defensive First Team for the second consecutive year.
Struggling with numerous foot injuries
Unfortunately, foot injuries often kept him off the court. In 2016, Walton claimed he had had “37 orthopedic surgeries.” He missed the entire 1978-79 season, which was his last with Portland. After his time with the Trail Blazers, he played for the San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers and Boston Celtics.
Although he wasn’t as influential as he was with the Trail Blazers, Walton was still a very useful player on the court. He was named Sixth Man of the Year with Boston in 1985-86. That season, Walton won his second title after the Celtics defeated the Houston Rockets in six games.
After his playing career ended, Walton was named to both the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993. The Trail Blazers had previously retired Walton’s number 32 jersey in 1989, right after his playing career ended.
