Bill Walton and his family chose to keep his battle with cancer private, refraining from disclosing the specific type of cancer he faced. It remains uncertain whether they will opt to share this information following his passing.
Bill Walton’s illustrious NBA career saw him don the jerseys of three esteemed franchises:
– Portland Trail Blazers (1974-1979)
– San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers (1979-1985)
– Boston Celtics (1985-1988)
Walton’s NBA journey was highlighted by triumphs, including securing his first NBA championship in 1977 with the Trail Blazers and clinching the MVP title for the 1977-1978 season. His second and final NBA championship came with the Celtics in 1986, coinciding with his recognition as the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year. Despite his remarkable achievements, chronic foot injuries prematurely curtailed his playing career, leading to his retirement after the 1986 season.
In the realm of statistics, Walton’s prowess was undeniable. Throughout his NBA tenure encompassing 468 games, he maintained an impressive double-double average of 13.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. His pinnacle performance was during his MVP season in 1977-1978, where he recorded career highs of 18.9 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game.
A closer look at Bill Walton’s year-by-year statistics reveals the consistency and impact he brought to each team he represented
| Year | Team | Games | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks |
| 1974-75 | Trail Blazers | 35 | 12.8 | 12.6 | 4.8 | 0.8 | 2.7 |
| 1975-76 | Trail Blazers | 51 | 16.1 | 13.4 | 4.3 | 1.0 | 1.6 |
| 1976-77 | Trail Blazers | 65 | 18.6 | 14.4 | 3.8 | 1.0 | 3.2 |
| 1977-78 | Trail Blazers | 58 | 18.9 | 13.2 | 5.0 | 1.0 | 2.5 |
| 1979-80 | Clippers | 14 | 13.9 | 9.0 | 2.4 | 0.6 | 2.7 |
| 1982-83 | Clippers | 33 | 14.1 | 9.8 | 3.6 | 1.0 | 3.6 |
| 1983-84 | Clippers | 55 | 12.1 | 8.7 | 3.3 | 0.8 | 1.6 |
| 1984-85 | Clippers | 67 | 10.1 | 9.0 | 2.3 | 0.7 | 2.1 |
| 1985-86 | Celtics | 80 | 7.6 | 6.8 | 2.1 | 0.5 | 1.3 |
| 1986-87 | Celtics | 10 | 2.8 | 3.1 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 1.0 |
Beyond his NBA exploits, Walton’s legacy is deeply intertwined with his collegiate journey at UCLA, where he cemented his status as one of the greatest college basketball players of all time. Garnering numerous accolades, including three NCAA Player of the Year Awards, Walton was instrumental in UCLA’s dominance, contributing to two national championship victories and being a linchpin in the Bruins’ unprecedented 88-game winning streak.
Transitioning to the broadcasting realm in 1990, Walton’s distinctive charm and colorful commentary endeared him to audiences worldwide. Whether gracing the airwaves for CBS, NBC, or ESPN, or providing insights as a color commentator for the Clippers and Kings, Walton’s broadcasting career was marked by his ability to infuse each broadcast with his unique storytelling and infectious enthusiasm, making every viewing experience enjoyable and memorable.