24
Oct
4 min read
NBA's Greatest Players in History: Bill Walton
Sportscaster and former NBA player Bill Walton poses before broadcasting a first-round game of the Pac-12 Basketball Tournament between the UCLA Bruins and the USC Trojans at MGM Grand Garden Arena on March 9, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. USC won 95-71. Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Championship centre, MVP, and Sixth Man of the Year
- Led Portland Trail Blazers to 1977 NBA Championship, winning Finals MVP
- Won NBA Most Valuable Player award in 1978
- Earned NBA Sixth Man of the Year with Boston Celtics in 1986
- Member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team
Bill Walton's injury-impacted but brilliant NBA career showcased his exceptional passing, defense, and leadership, overcoming injuries to win championships and individual accolades.
Overview
Bill Walton's NBA journey was a tale of extraordinary talent marred by persistent injuries. Despite playing only 468 games over 13 seasons, Walton's impact on the game was profound. His unique combination of skill, basketball IQ, and team-first mentality made him one of the most dominant centres of his era when healthy.
Career snapshot
Walton entered the NBA in 1974 as the first overall draft pick by the Portland Trail Blazers. His early years were plagued by foot injuries, but when he was on the court, his presence was transformative. In 1977, Walton led the Blazers to their first and only NBA championship, earning Finals MVP honours. The following year, he was named the league's Most Valuable Player.
Playing style
Walton's game was defined by his exceptional passing ability, defensive prowess, and unselfish play. Standing at 6'11", he had the size to dominate in the paint but the vision and skill of a point guard. His court awareness and ability to find open teammates made him the focal point of Portland's offense, while his shot-blocking and rebounding anchored their defense.
Why Bill Walton is on our list
Despite his shortened career, Walton's peak performances rank among the best in NBA history. His 1977 championship run and 1978 MVP season showcased a player capable of controlling every aspect of the game. Later in his career, Walton reinvented himself as a valuable sixth man for the Boston Celtics, proving his adaptability and basketball intelligence.
Five Fast Facts
- Walton is one of only four players in NBA history to win MVP, Finals MVP, and Sixth Man of the Year awards
- He led the NBA in rebounds per game (14.4) and blocks per game (3.2) in the 1976-77 season
- Walton was selected to the NBA's 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams
- He played in only 468 out of a possible 1,066 regular-season games in his career due to injuries
- Walton is considered one of the greatest passing centres in NBA history
Career Highlights Timeline
1974: Drafted 1st overall by the Portland Trail Blazers
1977: Led Portland to NBA Championship, won Finals MVP
1978: Named NBA Most Valuable Player
1983: Returned to play for the San Diego Clippers after missing three full seasons
1985: Traded to the Boston Celtics
1986: Won NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award and second NBA Championship with Boston
Bill Walton's NBA career, though brief, left an indelible mark on the league. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ made him a dominant force when healthy. Walton's ability to impact the game in multiple ways - scoring, rebounding, passing, and defending - set him apart from his peers.
His leadership and team-first mentality were crucial in Portland's 1977 championship run. Walton's performance in that Finals series, averaging 18.5 points, 19.0 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 3.7 blocks per game, remains one of the most impressive in NBA history.
The 1978 MVP season further cemented Walton's status as one of the game's elite players. He led the league in rebounding and blocked shots while orchestrating one of the most efficient offenses in the NBA.
What makes Walton's career truly remarkable is his resilience and adaptability. After years of injuries and setbacks, he reinvented himself as a valuable sixth man for the Celtics. This late-career resurgence, culminating in the Sixth Man of the Year award and another championship, showcased Walton's basketball intelligence and willingness to sacrifice for team success.
Walton's influence extended beyond his on-court performances. His unique personality, counterculture background, and passionate approach to the game made him a fan favourite and a memorable figure in NBA history. His later career as a broadcaster allowed him to share his deep love and knowledge of basketball with new generations of fans.
In conclusion, Bill Walton's NBA career, though shortened by injuries, was marked by moments of sheer brilliance and team success. His versatile skill set, basketball IQ, and team-first mentality made him one of the most impactful players of his era. Walton's legacy as a dominant centre, valuable role player, and basketball ambassador cements his place among the NBA's all-time greats.
