Bill Walton, the legendary basketball player known for his time with UCLA, the Portland Trail Blazers, and the Boston Celtics, passed away on Monday, May 27, 2024 at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer. Walton’s career was marked by immense success and persistent injuries, but his love for basketball and the Grateful Dead remained constant.
Walton was born in La Mesa, California, and became a standout player at Helix High School. He then played college basketball at UCLA under the legendary coach John Wooden, leading the Bruins to two NCAA championships. Reflecting on his relationship with Wooden, Walton once said, “The thing is people think it was amazing that Coach Wooden and I got along so well. It wasn’t surprising at all. He wanted the same thing I did: to win. And he wanted every player on the team to contribute to that victory.”
During his time at UCLA, Walton helped the team achieve an 88-game winning streak, a record that still stands today. His contributions were pivotal in securing two national championships, but he always credited his teammates for their roles in the team’s success. “When I was playing, they called me moody,” Walton remarked. “But what really upset me was that people only wanted to talk to me, even though Jamaal Wilkes, Dave Meyers, and Swen Nater were right there and they were fantastic.”
Walton’s professional career began when the Portland Trail Blazers selected him as the number one overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft. Despite being plagued by injuries, he led the Blazers to an NBA championship in 1977 and was named the Finals MVP. His performance during the playoffs remains among the most celebrated in NBA history. The following year, he won the league MVP award but suffered a significant foot injury that would haunt him for the rest of his career.
After his time with the Trail Blazers, Walton joined the San Diego Clippers, his hometown team. Unfortunately, injuries continued to limit his playing time. It wasn’t until he joined the Boston Celtics in 1985 that he experienced a career resurgence. Walton embraced a new role as a sixth man, contributing to the Celtics’ 1986 championship run and earning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award. Reflecting on his time with the Celtics, Larry Bird said, “Bill was a great teammate and an even better friend. He made the game fun for all of us, and he always knew how to make us laugh. I will miss him dearly.”
Walton’s love for the Grateful Dead was nearly as legendary as his basketball career. He attended over 850 of their concerts and was known as “Celebrity Deadhead Number One.” In a 2016 interview, Walton stated, “The Grateful Dead played a pivotal role in shaping me as a basketball player and as a person. They are some of my most influential teachers, and their inspiration profoundly impacted my life.”
Even after he retired from professional basketball, Walton remained a prominent figure in the sports world as a broadcaster. Known for his unique commentary style, he often brought up the Grateful Dead during broadcasts, much to the delight of fellow Deadheads. Walton’s broadcasts were filled with enthusiasm and off-the-wall comments, making him a distinctive voice in sports media. He even won an Emmy Award for his work as a sportscaster.
Beyond basketball and music, Walton was deeply connected to his San Diego, California hometown. He often rode his bike around the city and was involved in various community causes. His positive attitude and sunny disposition made him a beloved figure in San Diego, where he remained a local hero.
Walton’s passing has left a void in the basketball community, but his legacy as a player, broadcaster, and fan of the Grateful Dead will continue to inspire and entertain. His contributions to the game and his unique personality made him a one-of-a-kind figure in sports history.
Bill Walton’s life was a testament to authenticity and passion. He once said, “I’ll call from the end of the earth to talk about Coach Wooden.” His dedication to the things he loved, whether it was basketball, the Grateful Dead, or his community, made him a legend in more ways than one.
Walton is survived by his wife, Lori Matsuoka, and his four sons, all of whom share a piece of his towering legacy.
