When it comes to the most historic players in Portland Trail Blazers history, Bill Walton absolutely has a case to top that list. He was the best player on Portland’s only championship team in 1977. The following season, he was named MVP of the league.
Unfortunately, almost three months ago, Walton passed away after a bout with cancer on May 27. He was known by multiple generations, either as a dominant player or an entertaining announcer for the NBA and later college basketball.
The Trail Blazers have announced a date for the coming season where they will celebrate Walton’s life.
Trail Blazers Announce Date To Celebrate Bill Walton’s Life
Celebration of Walton’s Life To Take Place In March
It will be on March 9, 2025 where the Trail Blazers will celebrate the life of the great Bill Walton. They will be playing the Detroit Pistons on that day. Choosing that date has meaning. On Detroit’s assistant coaching staff under head coach J.B. Bickerstaff is Luke Walton, the son of Bill. Luke had his own 10-year playing career in the NBA, and he won two titles with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Blazers announce that March 9’s game against Detroit will be dedicated to celebrating Bill Walton. (Worth noting: his son Luke is an assistant coach with the Pistons, so he’ll be there)
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) August 22, 2024
Legendary College And NBA Playing Career
Walton was selected with the first overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft by the Trail Blazers. Prior to that, Walton had an incredible four years playing collegiately for UCLA. He was named the national player of the year as a sophomore, junior, and senior. The Bruins won back-to-back national championships in 1972 and 1973. Playing for legendary head coach John Wooden, Walton and UCLA once won 88 games in a row.
While Walton would go on to play just four seasons for the Trail Blazers, his impact will never be forgotten by the city. His third season of 1976-77 brought Portland their lone championship. Walton was the runner-up for MVP that season as he led the league in rebounding (14.4) and blocks (3.2). He would be named the 1977 Finals MVP after the Trail Blazers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in six games.
In 1977-78, Walton was named the NBA’s MVP. That season, he posted averages of 18.9 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.5 blocks. Additionally, he was also named to the All-Defensive First Team for the second straight season.
Dealt With Multitude Of Foot Injuries
Unfortunately for Walton, foot injuries often kept him off the court. Back in 2016, Walton claimed that he had “37 orthopedic operations.” 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.
While not as impactful as he was with the Trail Blazers, Walton still was a very useful player when on the court. In 1985-86, he was named Sixth Man of the Year with Boston. That season, Walton won his second title after the Celtics defeated the Houston Rockets in six games.
After his playing career was over, Walton was named to both the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Team. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993. Prior to that, the Trail Blazers retired Walton’s #32 jersey in 1989, right after his playing career concluded.
