Blazers release incredible tribute video for Bill Walton
Nov 15, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Pac-12 Networks commentator Bill Walton watches during the NCAA basketball game between the UCLA Bruins and the UNLV Rebels Pauley Pavilion. UCLA defeated UNLV 71-54. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday posted an awesome tribute video to the late Bill Walton.
The NBA announced that Walton died on Monday at the age of 71. He had a lengthy battle with prostate cancer.
The Blazers released a statement Monday commemorating Walton’s time with the team. One day later, the team uploaded a heartfelt video for Walton on X that has since gone viral.
“In memory of a remarkable man who truly loved and embodied the spirit of Rip City,” the post’s caption read.
In memory of a remarkable man who truly loved and embodied the spirit of Rip City. pic.twitter.com/q6LiIAybKL
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) May 29, 2024
Walton played just four seasons for the Blazers. But his years with the team were arguably the franchise’s most memorable.
The UCLA alum led the Blazers to the team’s lone championship during the 1976-77 season. He was named the 1977 NBA Finals MVP after averaging 18.5 points, 19.0 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 3.7 blocks per game in six games against Julius Erving’s Philadelphia 76ers.
Walton won the NBA regular season MVP award the following year but saw his campaign cut short due to injuries. Walton sat out the entire 1978-79 season and signed with the San Diego Clippers in the ensuing offseason.
Walton’s death led to an outpouring of tributes from several legends of the game. One former teammate even credited Walton for helping him land his wife thanks to the center’s ties to the rock band Grateful Dead.
