Bill Walton - the NBA’s greatest “What If?”

Thanks to Factor for sponsoring this video! Use code CLAYTON120 to get $120 off Factor at bit.ly/3sgCfYp!
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Bill Walton only started in 117 games over his 14-year NBA career. He was still elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and named one of the 50 greatest NBA players of all time. How is that possible? What happened over the course of his career that left him as one of the greatest players ever, AND a player who didn't get to achieve his full potential?
This is the first video in what I hope to be a multi-volume series about some of the legends of basketball. The first volume will consist of 5 videos about 5 of the best basketball players ever.
Thanks to Nic (the real GOAT) for the thumbnail and graphics: nicstelter.com
Videos like this are made possible thanks to support on Patreon
/ claytoncrowley
Twitter - @ClaytonCrowley
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Frame by KV -
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[@ClaytonCrowley]

Thanks to Factor for sponsoring this video! Use code CLAYTON120 to get $120 off Factor at bit.ly/3sgCfYp!

[@cameronjohnson9361]

I would for your next series to be what if ended the other way like what if ray Allen missed the shot the spurs win does Timmy get another fmvp or does Danny get one what does that do for the 3 and D player market in 2014 do the heat breakup so many questions and ramifications you could get a lot of mileage out of those the Leonard shot even Jordan’s shot on ehloh

[@hunterkessinger2442]

if you think about it . its kinda goat to have a 1 ring you carried and another as best support in only 6 seasons . think about it. just 6 and 2 rings and he was nothing but a monster everytime he played . came into the league already in his prime

[@rinari521]

Please make a series of NBA’s greatest what ifs

[@igorico]

Man, you are BIG! Love your videos, fantastic storytelling. Good job

[@bobcrane2720]

Bill Walton sounds like the Doc Gooden of basketball, probably either on acid or pot instead of coke that Gooden was known for.

[@ditlevbjerregaard571]

While I love Clayton's "making the case" videos, I think this type is much more suited to his storytelling, where he does not have to make long arguments or debate greatness, but just be romantic about basketball.

[@jessepowell5750]

100% agree

[@chrissullivan6572]

You're right. His propensity for dramatic storytelling is perfect for this type of video.

[@cordellsenior9935]

Right. If you feel you have to make a case for BW; then you are clearly ignorant of the man's deeds. One of the virtuosos to ever lace 'em up.

[@Ultra-BLV]

Clayton’s content is the definition of quality over quantity.

[@michaelsteese528]

Love when he uploads something new, ball is love ❤️

[@MemphisCorollaS]

These are up there with Joe Vincent mini documentaries

[@RicardoMil0s]

I hope that Clayton gets to be on a basketball podcast like Thinking Basketball or Bill Simmons's Book of Basketball Podcast because having these kinds of discussions would be so good.

[@manbo1213]

Clayton’s knowledge would be wasted talking to Bill Simmons lol

[@Primo_Kpodo]

Imagine Ben Taylor and Clayton on a podcast, wow

[@hameed]

Simmons is a hack

[@blue-pi2kt]

@@manbo1213 Bill Simmons is one of the most knowledgeable basketball historians in the public eye. He's a shameless homer but his understanding is without question.

[@loganglenn817]

Clayton reminds me so much of Kyle Man on the Ringer

[@MarkB-vp9ki]

I only wish I had 10% of Bill's positivity. He always seems to be thrilled to live the life he has.

[@philbuttler3427]

amen, he was in horrifying amounts of pain from his injuries for most of his adult life and you'd never know it.

[@MisterCrookedNose]

Do more LSD

[@Stable_Genius]

​@@MisterCrookedNoseBill would probably say that.

[@ralphlivingston894]

I don’t think there’s any doubt at all, a healthy Bill Walton would have set the league on fire for the next 10 to 12 years. Great video… Thank you

[@customcal1]

The fact says he didn’t have those other 10 or 12 years. He’s not in the category of legend he didn’t play long enough to be a legend. That’s the facts

[@tat5157]

@@customcal1”a remarkable player who tells a player who enthralls us.” He certainly fits into that. In addition he is on the Mount Rushmore of college basketball with his multiple championships and player of the year awards. Counting college there is no other way to describe him apart from legend.

[@timbarnett3898]

I got to meet Bill Walton twice, many years apart. Amazing to me is he remembered me from many years earlier!

[@kwkylewilliams462]

As a dude with a stutter, Bill Walton is a huge inspiration for me cus he overcame his stutter and became a sports commentator. I know it’s a pretty minor thing but still means a lot to me.

[@fintanoclery2698]

I'd say that's more than a minor accomplishment. Good on him, I did not know that. Cheers

[@ndrocca]

Bill Walton is a fascinating “what if?”. Walton was incredible at his peak. I highly recommend Thinking Basketball’s video on him to learn even more about how good Walton was at his peak.

[@caleb4538]

Shameless plug for another guy's channel in the comments lol

[@peterpan3022]

@@caleb4538 why shameless? its a totally legit recommendation

[@hunterkessinger2442]

thats his second account i think lol or 3rd cause ik a few where they all sound excalty like clay

[@UntouchableBreakdowns]

@@caleb4538 that’s a new phrase

[@Amick44]

It is. However we do know what was. Albeit such a short time. But as great a collegian as there was. And a legit MVP, champion and primary difference maker at UCLA and then Portland. He also anchored a strong 2nd unit at Boston late in his career. His teammates know and appreciate the force he was there as well.

[@billglueck9705]

What a great player, competitor and interesting human. The fact he could play in 86 was a miracle. His level of play and durability that year was impossible to believe. The fact he spent the night at Larry's house celebrating and basking in the presence of another basketball savant and good friend is a great ending to a short but fabulous career of one of the greatest Centers to ever play the game. That championship trail blazer team with Maurice Lukas was incredible and they were even better the following year until Bill was hurt. He was a player that made everybody better. A real force multiplier.

[@paysonfox88]

unlike baseball, Basketball actually rewards the best players in the game. Walton is in the basketball HOF. He only played a handful of full seasons. He was hurt all the time, but he's in the HOF for what he did when he wasn't hurt. Walton was averaging 18 PPG, 14 Rebounds, and 5 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks per game when he was at his peak. All around brilliance from one of the great centers of all time.

[@stevenmccart5455]

Walton was an absolutely amazing player who could do everything. If he had healthy wheels he would be an all time great.

[@thecourier6067]

I’m so glad to have found someone who talks about more then “ who’s better? What were their stats? How many championships?”. The ending bit with Walton and Bird is such a wonderful piece of storytelling and gives me so much appreciation for the narratives sports can bring us. Thank you Clayton, and well done. Edit: I can’t wait to see ones for Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, Kevin Garnett, Hakeem Olajuwon and so many more.

[@obhuicoksetyaetse1]

yeah,man, Wild Turkey

[@timgerringer2741]

No one could say that Walton was greater than Jabbar. Bit it would have been great to have seen those two battle it out for a long time.

[@Amick44]

​@@timgerringer2741 for 2 years he was at least his equal.

[@jimkoenig5026]

​@@timgerringer2741John wooden UCLA's coach is the one that said he would take Walton over jabbar. Of course both being healthy.

[@brentb2228]

Arvydas Sabonis has a legitimate claim for the greatest "What if?" as well. If he was able to come over in 86 when he was drafted before his body gave out he might have been able to change the basketball landscape in the Jordan era.

[@raiderbro8663]

great call, and had me thinking how bad the blazers luck is - cause later with what also happened to b.roy and oden

[@brentb2228]

@@raiderbro8663 They drafted Sam Bowie too

[@bingobongo496]

Imagine portland with sabonis-petrovich; euro dominance in the 90's

[@pewpew9193]

@@bingobongo496 Almost like a 90's version of what would be happening in Dallas now if Dirk was 20 years younger.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

There are a few huge "what if" claims in basketball. Len Bias - what if he DIDN'T get stupid and OD?

[@Homer-OJ-Simpson]

Per 36 min, that championship year with the Celtics, Walton averaged 14pts 13reb 4ast 2.5 blk. 33yr old with major injuries and way past his prime. What a nice finish to his career. At his peak per 36, he was 20pts 14reb 5ast 4blk. Solid scorer, great passer for a center, great rebounder and great defensive player. He would certainly be top 20 all time discussion, maybe even better.

[@sgrey9181]

Honestly I already do have him top 20 or 25 all time. Part of greatness is legacy, and Walton left a legacy of playing the right way. There’s something awesome about that.

[@Homer-OJ-Simpson]

@@sgrey9181 If you value 'legacy', then sure he is top 25 especially if you include his college play. I don't put that much into 'legacy' but I do put some value in that I certainly have him top 50 and maybe top 40.

[@UntouchableBreakdowns]

Bill Walton was special. His passing, his vision and his abilities were incredible. Took a little bit of Russell’s philosophy and led his team to a championship with great defence and playmaking with minimal shots needed from himself. Walton trusted his team enough to shoot these shots. I love guys like Jordon and chamberlain but players like Russell and Walton who learned early to pass the ball, idk they stick out to me a little bit more. No disrespect to the guys I’ve just mentioned at all. They are incredible scorers and crush Russell and Walton in this. But in playmaking and trusting your teammates, I’d say they were just a little better. Great video and I love the series already

[@pewpew9193]

That's what makes Larry Bird so incredible. He was an Elite scorer that was capable of giving anyone 40+, but he dominated the boards, was one of the first "Point Forwards" with some of the greatest passes we've ever seen & before the injuries, he could defend with the best of them. He was the guy that would go diving for the lose ball or find a way to beat Hakeem for a jump ball. I've always had a lot of love for the guys that can do it all like that. It's why I've enjoyed watching old LeBron way more than young LeBron.

[@dwightlove3704]

@@pewpew9193 Bird made ALL NBA DEFENSE SECOND TEAM IN '87 ONLY ONCE

[@joshuachang5210]

@@pewpew9193 I still enjoy watching bird’s offense over any version of LeBron because of how he doesn’t even need that much time with the ball in his hands. And luckily enough some Coca Cola addict from Serbia brings this kind of basketball back.

[@pewpew9193]

@@dwightlove3704 You need to take 3 seconds to get your facts straight. Larry Bird was All-Defense 3 times. 82-84. No idea where you got 87 being the only year. He didn't make any after his injury.

[@dwightlove3704]

@@pewpew9193 Was it FIRST OR SECOND TEAM

[@WhiteWolfTraveler1]

This video legit brought me to a few tears. My old man, RIP, he loved Bill Walton. I love Bill Walton. I had his Celtics poster in my room growing up. I have wished for years that the average fan would appreciate how great he was, and he really was taken down by injuries.

[@mja91352]

To be great, you have to play. Walton didn't play. End of discussion.

[@lloydkline1518]

Bill walton wonNBA championship 1976/ 1977 beating l.a. laker / kareeem abdul jabber 4/ 0 ; boston 1986 great role center ;; sandy koufax had a brillant pitching career but very short

[@seansimms8503]

When healthy Bill was a force to be dealt with period, R.F...we both saw what he was and what he was able to do, for every guy that has negative thing to say about Bil we know due to his medical issues it was what it was and unlike these current players, he actually had reason as to why he didn't play.

[@Hotmanlion12]

I remember when the NBA 75th Anniversary team was announced, tons of people were saying Bill Walton shouldn’t have made it. Saying he was injured too often, and only had “4 good seasons”. Meanwhile Walton had accomplished more in one season than several of the players people claimed were snubbed from the 75th Anniversary team.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

MVP Finals MVP 6'th Man of the year. It's a mighty short list to accumulate THAT list of hardware. I do agree though, that he was marginal for the 50 year team (do keep in mind that EVERY member of the 50 team also made the 75 team) given his very short "effective" career - but he had a better case than SHAQ did to be on that team.

[@lokofra9354]

An episode on arvydas sabonis would be interesting, even if it’s hard to get too much film of him he is absolutely a legend.

[@akeme25]

Man Portland and their many “what ifs” lol

[@blakekeithley3400]

Much is made about how the college kids lost to the Russians but the reality is they just ran into Sabonis. Walton called him a 7’3” Larry Bird. It’s amazing how their careers with injuries paralleled each other.

[@alik5972]

@@blakekeithley3400 guys like them seem to be glitches in the matrix, getting injured after the system realizes they shouldn't be running and jumping around

[@steveelder5306]

he was a beast

[@3crowns21]

Walton always called Sabonis the 2nd greatest high school player in history, right after Jabbar. Too bad Sabonis was not schooled under Smith or Wooden and then played his entire career in the NBA.

[@manuginobilisbaldspot424]

Walton is the classic case for why people can't just look at stats to define someone. Walton had so much more of an impact on the court than a guy who scored a career best 19 ppg. He was the 70's version of Tim Duncan. He didn't score a ton of points, but was an anchor whose teams just won when he was healthy. Plus passer, efficient scorer, great rebounder, underrated shot blocker, and the rare pivot man that elevated the cast of characters around him. Even Jabbar couldn't say that...he was a better individual player, but couldn't do what Walton did with that 77 Blazers team. And the 78 Blazers team is along with the 73 Celtics, the biggest injury what if team in NBA history. Walton won the MVP despite only playing 58 games...Portland was 50-10 and absolutely cruising towards a repeat title. Head and shoulders better than anyone in the league when he got hurt against Philly. 49-9 with him and 11-19 without him including the six game Western semis loss to Seattle. And basically robbed of his prime with his feet injuries.

[@kevinlawrence8580]

When he was healthy he was one of the best centers ever. However injuries derailed his career. He was a beauty to watch. Excellent fundamentals!

[@fjccommish]

He wasn't healthy. End of story. You sportsball sycophants love to glorify these man children who play games.

[@Guide1089]

I started playing and watching basketball in the mid '60s, Wilt, Kareem, Bill Russell and Walton were by far the best centers of that era. When Walton was healthy nobody could stop his game. He fit in perfectly with the Celtics. I'd love to see Pistol Pete playing with Walton and Bird during their primes. It would have been beautiful...

[@jordanverbeek5121]

The Red Auerbach story made my eyes tear up. Walton just wanted one more chance . . .

[@TheDeadlyTikka]

I’m so glad you mentioned Walton was significantly taller than his listed height, dude was a giant

[@RobJaskula]

"Didn't want to be thought of as a seven footer"

[@lloydkline1518]

❤️ bill walton too

[@mvgsports]

Tf are you talking about...he's 6-11

[@TheDeadlyTikka]

@@mvgsports nah he was easily taller than that in his prime. Either that or alot of players are shorter than their listed heigh s

[@brawndothethirstmutilator9848]

Portland native here. My favorite Walton story is from after the championship in ‘77. The victory parade was happening downtown. Members of the team were speaking at the podium to the crowd. Walton gets up, announces that someone stole his bicycle, describes the bicycle, and asks for help locating it. Rumor is, he spent considerable time searching for it after the parade. Various locals still have stories about being at the parade and being approached by Bill asking after his missing bicycle.

[@geordiejones5618]

Thats hilarious and so sad bc it sounds like he never found it.

[@donbaccus2074]

Another Portland native here, and my recollection is that the bicycle eventually showed up. He also routinely played in pick-up games in a park in NW PDX, high level games (a lot of off-season college and good high school players) but open to anyone who dared walk on.

[@brawndothethirstmutilator9848]

Don, Thanks for sharing about those pickup games! I was born shortly after Bill left the Blazers so I only have second hand accounts. I also neglected the happy ending that Bill was reunited with his bicycle. Apparently he is an avid cyclist still to this day.

[@henryfranzoni4417]

I was there at the parade in 77, the bicycle was indeed returned a week later.

[@rocket2579]

@@donbaccus2074 Wallace Park, right? I remember him wearing that shirt. The best team that only 12,666 saw each night. I'm so glad I was lucky enough to witness the best passing/fast break team in the history of the NBA. People just have no idea that Bill was THAT good. He was. Unfortunately he was born with abnormally high arches in his feet, which were the source of all his other injuries.

[@jamespatrick9841]

Watching him play against Jabbar in the playoffs was must see tv. Bill was amazing. Could do it all.

[@kevinsysyn4487]

I have always thought this since the 44pt UCLA game. Had I done sports documentaries this is exactly the one I would have done. At least, unlike the tragedy of Bo Jackson, Walton had his day. My favorite guy in basketball.

[@Wild_Bill57]

I was 28, living south of Boston in ‘86, saw a lot of Celtic’s basketball over the years, but that’s the year that I’ll remember the most. Knew Bill was playing on borrowed time and that that one year was pretty much all we’d ever see, but what a glorious year it was. Never saw a team play so well, so in sync, and having so much fun at the same time. Thanks for telling Bill’s story with such warmth.

[@hootowl6354]

Best college player I've ever seen. Best bank shot, best rebounder, best passing big man, best shot blocker, incredible at reading the floor, team leader. Kareem was second-best.

[@Amick44]

I pick Russell close 2nd. But close and no big deal. Kareem right there too.

[@chrispaul7849]

my fave player ever.... won 134 straight games in HS-UCLA he was an anomaly, a talent far ahead of his time.

[@waltereaton4420]

Great job. Loved Bill as a UCLA Bruin and and as a Boston Celtic. His 77 season with the Trailblazers also affirmed as a b-ball great. Yes, What if? But also what was!

[@T0XiCPeaches]

You make some of the most cinematic, emotional basketball mini documentaries I've ever seen. I can't believe you haven't been hired by 30:30 or E60 yet

[@austinhenkel3569]

Clayton needs to do a voice over docu-series for ESPN one day man Update: the story at the end has me crying, what an orator you are Clayton

[@chrish6014]

This actually made me tear up a little. Damn injuries stripped us of his potential but thank God Bill was able to accomplish so much in such a short amount of time.

[@paulkitchen1300]

Before I watch this I have to comment. Bill Walton is the absolute king of the outlet pass setting up the fast break. I loved watching him play. Now to go watch this and see if they agree.

[@mescko]

It was beautiful, brilliant, and mind-boggling to watch. I was 10 during that magical season.

[@sjkebab]

Without a shadow of a doubt, Clayton Crowley is THE best NBA historian we have on KZbin. Thank you for your work.

[@SeaBeast902]

This one hits hard Clayton, good job

[@Amick44]

It does. A beautiful team to watch and enjoy.

[@michaelbarnes2126]

I have great respect for the talent of Bill Walton. Because of what he did even thru an injury filled career. Definitely the biggest What If in NBA history

[@76JStucki]

Clayton, I don’t know if you realize what is happening here, but I’ll tell you. You aren’t just making fun KZbin videos anymore. You’re becoming a filmmaker. What this is is a truly beautiful short documentary film. It’s not just a solid argument. It’s not just engaging or entertaining. It’s poignant. It’s heartbreaking. It’s moving. It’s beautiful. I think this is your best work, and I can’t wait to see what you do next. Bravo, sir!

[@KimfromSoCal]

Bill Walton was actually that good. And then a gigantic "what if he was able to stay healthy his entire career" He would have been included in every discussion of the goat.

[@sevenrats]

It was really great when Bill and Larry played together. It was one of the greatest season ever.

[@frederickrapp5396]

I heard that Bill and Larry really were not particularly close off the court. They went their own way. Still, in 1986 they were teammates on one of the greatest teams in Celtic and NBA history.

[@garrison6863]

One of the very best college players ever. God knows how great he could have been without the injuries. He was a great passer, he could shoot, rebound and block shots.

[@Romamb]

I've watched Bill Walton play in various games and my goodness, he could play.

[@Jcopper_]

Bill Walton seems like such a likable person its just so sad that he was plagued with so many injuries

[@Amick44]

He has an incredible appreciation for other great players and teams. He will go and on about Russell, Wilt, Kareem, Baylor, Barry, Dr J, Pistol Pete, Shaq like he's a fan himself. Cause he is. Doesn't ooze jealousy or envy toward other greats. Though we know he can't help but wonder what may have been in his own case.

[@stevenmccart5455]

I followed his career at UCLA so , I had to follow him at Portland and when he was healthy Walton was incredible. Fantastic passer , shot blocker and when he wanted scorer too.

[@iamdanyc93]

This is a top notch history lesson. Bill Walton lived up to all expectations! Even though the injuries dampened his career, he took the cards he was dealt and made the best of them.

[@garrison6863]

Walton was the best passing, most intelligent center I ever saw when he was healthy. That year he had in Portland was amazing. One of the best any center ever had.

[@Amick44]

For those who mention jokic, Bill was a true rim protecting center and far more athletic before the foot problems.

[@lynnwakefiled2592]

I was fortunate to be at University of Oregon during the Walton-UCLA era and attended all the home games. The 2 lost regular season games his senior year were to Oregon and Oregon State on the same weekend. These were the days of no 3 point line, no shot clock, no dribbling with your hand on the side or underneath the ball, and leaving school early for the draft. Walton was an inconsistent player due to smoking grass to help alleviate the constant pain he was in. When he was on his game, he was the best center I ever saw. This included watching Kareem live while at Wazzu. Here was what I saw. He would go for a rebound and would wait above the rim for the ball to come off, snatching it, on the brink of goal tend every time. On his way down with the ball, he was already looking down court and starting to pass the ball before landing. Many times during the game, he would just tip a pass into the basket, even with his back to the basket. When he would get 3 fouls knowing the next would send him to the bench, he just elevated his defense to another level and never fouled out. As a defender, he could place himself in a perfect position on a driving opponent that eliminated every possible shot the shooter had. When I played pick-up ball against a smaller or slower player, my goal was to defend like Walton. Managed to do it just a couple of times. Along with all this and the ability to run the court with the guards, he was a pin point passer. He could palm the ball and pass with just a flick of the wrist, hit a player under the hoop with amazing accuracy.

[@pewpew9193]

Bill Walton was so stupidly good before his injuries. He truly is a guy that would be a Top 10 player in NBA history & easily in the discussion as best big man ever. He had that sky high IQ & ability to see the floor. Could be a Point Center type of guy, then erase your best player at the rim on the Defensive end. Something hauntingly beautiful about this video. It reminds me of another ALMOST redemption story involving another candidate for greatest college player in history. Pete Maravich. Spent his career on terrible teams that didn't appreciate him. Never won a Championship. Tore his ACL(back in those days that was an even more serious injury than it is now). He joined up with the Celtics in Bird's historic Rookie season. He started getting his legs back late in the year. He was primed for a return to Superstardom. He was ready to be the running mate to Larry Legend. Long story short (look up Puntgate for all the details), Pete got pissed at the coach & retired. The Celtics went on to win the Championship the year Pete retired. He passed away on the basketball court less than a decade later. That would be an amazing video subject. Pete is one of the most interesting characters in NBA history. He went through so much, but he dosen't get credit for how truly incredible & revolutionary he was.

[@hardwoodthought1213]

The crazy thing about Walton is that he is a what if, and is still one of the 25/30 greatest players ever. People overrated the longevity argument. Anyone who tells me they’d rather have 15/20 years of guys like AI, Harden, Wilkins, Westbrook, Nash, Malone or Barkley over 3 transcendent seasons of Walton don’t understand who hard winning is. 21 men have been the best player in a regular season and a championship. Walton is one of them.

[@big8dog887]

Okay, I'll play. Here's my best guess at the other 20. 1) Russell 2) Wilt 3) Kareem 4) Magic 5) Bird 6) Jordan 7) Hakeem 8) Shaq 9) Kobe 10) Duncan 11) LeBron 12) Moses 13) Giannis 14) Mikan 15) Cousy? 16) Curry? 17) Durant? 18) Kawhi? 19) Wade? 20) Petit? Others such as Isiah, Dr. J, Willis Reed come to mind, but I don't think they were the best in the league when they won it all. (Doc probably was when he won the ABA title).

[@hardwoodthought1213]

@@big8dog887 Pretty much spot on, Reed is there, take off Kawhi and Wade (tho I think Wade deserved MVP in 09), add in Dirk and KG (KG is a tough one cause he didn’t win FMVP, but to me he was clear cut over Pierce).

[@geordiejones5618]

@@hardwoodthought1213 idk how people think Wade was better than both Kobe AND Lebron in 09. And even in the playoffs where he could've proven people wrong he was bounced in the first round while Kobe won a championship and Lebron played the best he ever had in the playoffs.

[@stephcurrytheg.o.a.t]

@@geordiejones5618 he had a worse team than both that's why Wade lost in the first round

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

You're skipping the short list of such folks in the ABA. Off the top of my head, I think it's 3 - Dr. J, Mel Daniels, George McGinnis - but I might have missed 1 or 2. To Big8dog88 - it's Pettit, not Petit.

[@angelophilippopoulos9678]

Walton was one greatest when healthy. UCLA had Kareem and then Bill. What a dynasty.

[@kylelee3576]

Bro you got me crying over here. Walton has always been one of my favorite players and this just solidified why. Thank you for this, Clayton. Thank you.

[@derekhiemforth]

100% agree about Walton being the biggest "What If?" I can't help but wonder how much his injury woes all trace back to the fall at Washington St. He has to wear a back brace in its aftermath, which maybe alters the way he jumps or moves, which leads to a foot injury, which makes him shoot differently, which leads to a finger injury, etc. Compensating for one injury leads to the next. If there was some way to stop the first domino in that chain from toppling, how much different could his career have been? I always think of the great NBA centers as "The Magnificent Seven:" Abdul-Jabbar, Chamberlain, Malone, O'Neal, Olajuwon, Robinson, and Russell. If Bill Walton had just had a normal level of injuries, I think that would unquestionably be a group of eight great centers, and Walton would be right there among them...

[@willmorrisusa]

You list Russell last of the 7 . Russell The GOAT .

[@derekhiemforth]

@@willmorrisusa It's alphabetical, not by worthiness. 🙂

[@willmorrisusa]

Okay . That's one way to do it !

[@Amick44]

No doubt.

[@UrWifiIsSlow]

No question, he’s already pretty much up there, a little less injury and he’d be top 3 all time

[@scottg6754]

I grew up watching Bill Walton from the UCLA days. This brought back so many memories.

[@johnnythrogmorton7700]

What a fine entertaining and informative production this is. What a beast Bill Walton was on the court for several years before his devastating injuries that plagued much of his career, until the '86 season with the Celtics.

[@chopperenduro6590]

I got to watch Bill Walton play college ball whenever a U.C.L.A. game come on tv in lndiana , born in 1962 l was just a young kid but a baller , Walton was a complete fundamentally sound team lst player , l loved how he used the backboard on turn around shots , l would take a ball to the school yard & practice my bank shot for hours , l watched how he blocked out & used his arms to clear out opponents for rebounds , l would copy his fundamentals for my game . Felt bad when l watched Notre Dame end their 88 game win streak , bottom line in Walton was a force at U.C.L.A. & that's how l remember Bill . Another force in college but injuries hampered his pro game was Austin Carr Notre Dame .

[@ltukkyle]

As a Blazers fan this was beautiful and I learned a lot

[@geordiejones5618]

He has a better resume than both Durant and Kawhi imo. Only people who did more and possibly and had anywhere near lost potential are Bird and Magic's careers coming to an end bc of health. Walton lost 10 elite/great years and Bird/ Magic lost about 4 or 5. Also this is a great companion piece to the Greatest Peaks highlight of his two way playmaking.

[@jordaniscancelled3327]

One of the most skilled big men in nba history. Sad that we didn’t get to see his full potential😔

[@marcuspi999]

I loved Bill Walton because of my dad. We lived in Vancouver, WA, across the river from Portland just a couple miles, so they were our team instead of the Sonics in 1976 when they won the championship. In 1977, my dad got a job just north of Seattle when the Blazers and Sonics both made the finals. It was awesome. The Pacific NW never had any professional trophies until then. Both the Seattle Mariners and the Seahawks were brand new expansion teams in 1977 and 1978, so before that, basketball was it. And of course both of them sucked for years. I remember walking into the brand new Kingdoms for the first time when I was 7 years old. So yeah, Bill Walton had a huge impact on a little boy back then. Thanks so much for creating this video. It means a lot.

[@marcuspi999]

Kingdome

[@javigar133]

Clayton, you never stop surprising us, the storytelling, the content, structure... This episode was amazing, I actually cried. Bless you

[@adrenalineunlimited3376]

Bill to this day the third best passing big ever. Pau Gasol my favorite player, and I got him 4th. Respect where it's due. And he was a better all around player than the other two ever were in the NBA. Truly one of the greatest ever. And straight cheese in 2k

[@3crowns21]

Who are the first two, please?

[@adrenalineunlimited3376]

@@3crowns21 Arvydas and Jokic

[@Amick44]

​@@adrenalineunlimited3376 Jokic, yes.

[@big8dog887]

One of the things I remember about that 1986 Finals was Walton's tackle of Ralph Sampson during a brawl. Sampson himself would become one of the game's great "what-ifs".

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

Ralph just never had the level of "fire" to be one of the Top Tier. He was skilled enough and had enough raw ability to make the next tier down, but didn't have that "competitive instinct" level to make the final level.

[@lloydkline1518]

@@bricefleckenstein9666 i hear ralph sampson problem he never master nothing like skyhook shot ;; in NBA must have go to move ; jabber could shoot skyhook at any angle around the basket plus other moves around the basket dunk : turnaround jumper etc etc ; plus knee problem very tall 7 foot basketball have problem in NBA

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

@@lloydkline1518 It was WILT had the knee surgery, not Kareem. But yes, many 7+ footers do end up with issues in their feet or knees fairly quickly. Sampson's real issue though was that he just didn't have the level of internal FIRE of the greatest players. Game 6 of the 1986 Finals was a SHOWCASE of that issue.

[@lloydkline1518]

@@bricefleckenstein9666 i said you tube counles countless of time wilt had knee surgery in early 1969 sgortly after playing jabber first time wilt was over the hill / old years past his primes :: ralph sampson had mult knees surgery on both knee ;; rallph sampson was suppose to be great very very 7 NBA basketball have problems

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

@@lloydkline1518 3 examples counting Walton's feet - vs HOW MANY 7 footers that have played in the NBA over the decades? OK, 4 examples counting Yao.

[@johnybaltimore3687]

Bill Waton was also the tallest Deadhead I ever saw.. Sometimes hard to see past him at the shows, but he was always nice to me when i said hello or asked him how his terrible foot was doing. I'm so glad that he was able to join Boston in the mid-80's and help the team greatly. I was a little too young to watch him in his prime at UCLA or on the Blazers but i remember my basketball cards of him on Portland. I always loved his rock and roll wild west persona, beard, head band. He was wild in his own way like Dr. J, James Silas and Artis Gilmore etc. etc. were wild with their great African-American fashions during the 70's during their ABA and NBA years. Plus the short shorts were tight !

[@dshooter6391]

Bill Walton was one of my all time favorite basketball players!

[@__j20]

There are so many candidates for the nbas greatest what if, but one that I think is actually an underrated candidate for that title is Larry bird. You may be think what I mean and what I mean is that he played 8/13 seasons with debilitating and chronic back problems. Imagine what he could’ve been able to do if he didn’t have to deal with that every time he stepped onto the court for the majority of his career. I think bird is underrated in all time lists as he’s always outside the top 5 and behind magic and sometimes around 10 behind a guy like Kobe. To me he’s number 5 or 6 and ahead of magic whose overrated for a number of reasons that I’m not going to get into rn. But my point is that bird actually would have a case as the goat had he performed better in the postseason as there were a handful of times he didn’t play up to standards. Much of this can be attributed to playing near 40 minutes a game in the regular season while hardly ever missing games until the 89 season. The load of his minutes, lack of rest from playing almost every game, the physicality from teams like Detroit, and the back problems were an obvious hindrance on his ability to sustain his all time regular season play deep into playoff runs. Had he been in more favorable circumstances, weather that be fewer minutes, more rest games, not injuring his back, or not playing in the most physical era in history, which all would’ve led to a longer career as well, not just 13 seasons. He probably would’ve been able to piece together an undeniable top 2 resume. Also have to factor in the fact that Jordan (although imo the 1 or 2 all time) never had a player on his level in the 90’s but bird had magic his whole career. How much better would birds accolades have been with mvps championships etc had he gotten jordans luck and not had a true equal for his entire career? Btw this also factors into kareems legacy, as his prime was played in by far the weakest era ever (70’s), and he had no player on his level to rival him which lead to accolades going to him more times than if he would’ve had an equal. Wilt retired, Walton was injured, talent was being taken away from the league by drug addicts and the aba.

[@belethon]

Fun fact before bird ever played a single minute of nba basketball he shattered his shooting hand playing baseball and kept it a secret from the celtics cause he was scared he would be punished by the team(this was literally less than a year from when he suited up for the celtics). He even admitted that since the injury he never had the same feel for the ball, think about how crazy that is a man we already consider one of the greatest shooters of all time said he actually shot worse than what he could have

[@__j20]

@@xenonite2172 he definitely was, and although I have him number 4 or 5 on my all time list, he was not on the same level as Jordan, and unfortunately their teams never met in the finals so we never got to see that matchup. Most people say magic was actually the better player and is higher all time than bird which I strongly disagree with. Bird played in a very difficult conference while magic played in an easy conference, magic had kareem nearly his whole career and kareem is almost a unanimous top 3 player ever while magic is usually number 5 for people. This means by their own admission magic played with a guy who was better than him his entire career while birds best teammate was mchale who is probably the 9th best POWER FORWARD of all time. And forget player rankings, Magic’s teams just had much better supporting casts than birds did. So my overall point is that this is not a one to one comparison. If Hakeem were on jordans level we would say “Hakeem and Jordan” when talking about the 90’s like we say “magic and bird” when talking about the 80’s.

[@pewpew9193]

If Larry stayed healthy, It wouldn't even be a question. Any debates about All-Time lists would be debates for 2nd place. Peak Larry Bird is the highest quality basketball the world has ever seen.

[@Elcapitaan5]

I was thinking the exact same thing. I mean,his game was never physical,so if modern medicine could just keep him on the court he could have done anything longevity wise. He was also unselfish so could easily be a cog in any type of team. Of course he might have had trouble winning championships with Jordan around,but at least he could have tried.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

A few of us DO still put Bird in the Top 5 - and Kobe OUTSIDE of the Top 20, where both belong.

[@juliothom2408]

I can’t give you enough “Thumbs Ups” for this video. You brought me all the way back to when I saw Walton play ridiculously well with Larry. Walton was that guy in College. I wish he could have had a longer NBA career

[@kingofnewyork7765]

Julio thom hope you’re getting thru Russell’s death okay. I know you’re a Russell guy

[@juliothom2408]

@@kingofnewyork7765 Appreciate you for remembering that. My appreciation goes way beyond the court (and he was otherworldly there). He was one of my Grandfather’s heroes and I learned about him at a very early age. Grandpa was a Black man that had no love for the city of Boston, but was a huge fan of both Russell and Red Auerbach.

[@Amick44]

If you love basketball, no question. He was a strong individual player and an impeccable team player.

[@allanhugo9213]

Walton was the real deal. A complete center who could pass, defend, and score. Injuries killed his career.

[@vinceniederman]

It Was a Shame That Bill Always Got Hurt Later On in His Career!

[@jamesstroud8833]

A hell of a compliment. A pivotal piece of what is the greatest NBA championship team of all time. 1986 BOSTON CELTICS!

[@P1P31150]

God damn it Clayton, how do you manage to always bring up such a quality piece of audivisual narratives? EVERY. SINGLE. TIME? I loved it, every minute of it. That conclusion was just poetry. here's to the legend of Bill Walton!

[@od4407]

It’s his peak Autism

[@mitchelll3879]

Why use blasphemous language just to make a minor point?

[@thespaceram2879]

Stop saying God=Lord Jesus Christ's name in vain. Unless you want to be d------------ by Him on judgement day later. He even warns what happens later to whomever that says it and refuse to stop. It is a very serious sin. Unfortunately there is no rest for the poor condemned later in the lake of fire and brimstone. It is the second death. Heck I don't want to say it myself or even read it from other people that post it.

[@P1P31150]

@@thespaceram2879 lol

[@JoelGraves]

An absolute epic encapsulation of one of the most prolific, and unique players in NCAA/NBA history. Thanks for this!

[@gregoryevans8179]

Walton was fundamentally sound, did everything the right way. One of the 2 best college players I’ve ever seen. Dominant on both ends of the court. Just wasn’t able to stay healthy while in the NBA.

[@mikesimpson6339]

I had no idea that he was from San Diego!!! A lot of my friends went to helix and it’s only a mile from my house. That’s crazy, San Diego is mad under appreciated

[@ccglynch]

You offer the most refreshing and respectable basketball content on KZbin and you have my undying respect. Good work Clayton.

[@big8dog887]

Imagine the rivalry between a healthy Walton and Kareem. Would've been right up there with Russell-Wilt and Bird-Magic.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

Kareem was in the league every year that Walton was healthy (or mostly). Note that Kareem was WITH THE LAKERS when Portland *SWEPT* the Lakers on their way to the Championship.

[@davidnyberg6840]

In my mind, this is the saddest story in the history of the NBA. So glad you gave it the happy ending that Bill deserved.

[@qontoh2s872]

I was at some of those home games. It was pure magic watching the 86 Celtics. Imo, the best team to ever walk onto a court.

[@MindfulAttraction2.0]

you remind me so much of thinking basketball. Your love for walton speaks volume about your bball iq. I got walton as top 5 iq player all time

[@johper3779]

Ah man this put me close to tears, what an incredible athlete and person! Best breakdown of his career I have ever seen.

[@randallmadison9910]

Still won NBA championship and MVP. No doubt ii is disappointing that he got seriously injured. Was beautiful to watch Ramsey's Trailblazers. Ball sharing. Walton's game was poetry.

[@billcur3654]

It's better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all

[@kensnyder3762]

Easily your best one yet. I've always said Walton had the potential to be the best ever, makes me sad for him. Thanks for this.

[@Emon31415]

In a sea of similar NBA content, where I thought I almost had seen it all, this series is an incredible breath of fresh air. We need more stories, and less stats.

[@markharris5107]

I lived in Portland during the season after the championship. It was absolutely amazing. The city was full of Blazermania, and we all had no doubt that championship #2 was inevitable. The injuries - first to Lloyd Neal and then to Bill Walton, brought such a deep sadness to the city. That one season was, in a microcosm, the big "what if" that defines his overall career. That was one of the best movement and passing teams in NBA history.

[@mescko]

Agreed. I was 10 at the height of Blazermania. I had a Rip City T-shirt, and I will never forget listening to the game when Bill came away with 26 rebounds. I thought Shonley was losing his mind--"rebound WALTON!!" Their fast break, ignited by Walton's outlet passing, clear to or past mid-court, was unstoppable.

[@zeppelinmexicano]

What Larry and Bill did pushing the ball back and forth was like ballet. Those guys were like a double headed passing machine.

[@dylanm1174]

Man this one gave me legit goosebumps several times…well done Clayton. Well done.

[@Toushiro13]

This might be your best work yet. Only 3 channels I look forward to new content when it comes NBA material and you are at the top of that list.

[@HealthyCigarette864]

What about thinking basketball or take line?

[@chrollodranx-hunter3389]

Who are the others?

[@garymckee6200]

Read David Halberstam’s “Breaks Of The Game”, it delves deep into that great Portland team that Walton anchored and it is a fascinating look at the relationship he and coach Dr. Jack Ramsey had

[@ljlawver]

Lotta what ifs in big time sports. Gotta agree Big Bill was the biggest. When he finally played regularly in Portland it looked like he was going to be a multiple time MVP, and multiple time champion. Like Russell before him, doing whatever it took for his team to win was his greatest attribute. Highly skilled, basketball IQ in league with Bird and Magic.

[@joelspaulding5964]

Your takes on these incredible players and teams are beyond amazing and show a deep respect for the game. Actually gives me deeper respect for the game- especially as I knew it int the 70's and 80's. Bill was a favorite in 70's, despite being a Celts fan since birth...how great a gift when he joined the best team, ever. Brought here by the Bird content. Sub'd

[@ktets23]

Such a fabulous story, beautifully told in your inimitable style - brought a tear to my eye - so evocative, and a fantastic flood of memories of Walton, Bird, UCLA, the Blazers, Wooden, Auerbach and the Celtics - many many thanks mate

[@DonSMDT]

You know there's a lot of what ifs on that team. Bird's back injury, Walton's injuries after arriving, Len Bias overdosing, they really could've had a lot more from all them if things just went their way

[@pewpew9193]

Also Pete Maravich ending his comeback from knee injury because of "Punt Gate". It's wild how good the 80's Celtics were, despite the terrible luck they had. Just think, Bird stays healthy, Pete dosen't retire, Walton dosen't get re-injured & Bias dosen't pass away. That team might have seriously won 10-12 Championships in a row. Powered by Bird, Maravich & Maxwell in the early years, then Bird, McHale, Parrish & Walton in the middle & finishing up in the early to mid 90's with Bird & Bias. They go down as the greatest dynasty in sports history & Larry Bird goes down as the unanimous GOAT.

[@GBeret83]

Walton had a lot injuries that followed him throughout his NBA career, but he was as good at the collegiate level as any player I ever saw during his days at UCLA.

[@luisrodrigues3773]

Amazing video, such a beautiful narrative. Regardless of age and injuries, the footage of him and Bird is astounding... Remarkable!

[@bruv71]

Bill Walton is such an inspiration he proved in that short window that he was truly one of the best centers to play the game, but life gave him a rough hand, but he persevered and found a new way to continue being a winner. I love his story. it speaks to me like no other, a story of heartbreak missed potential and self doubt, but Walton never stopped giving all he had. Bill Walton deserves every bit of praise he gets and I'm so sick of seeing people pretend he didn't deserve to be on that top 50 and top 75 (looking at you Shaq and Kendrick Perkins). Thank you for this video Clayton.

[@mja91352]

To be considered great, you have to play. Walton didn't play. End of discussion.

[@bruv71]

​@@mja91352 L

[@stever1791]

I had a chance to meet Bill up at the Naismith Hall of Fame back in 2011. What a great guy . We walked the Red Carpet together and chatted about Gail Goodrich and The Michigan game in 1965 vs Cazzie Russell. Also talked about Howard Porter and his great playing against Sidney Wicks and Curtis Rowe. Thats a great and wonderful memory of Big Red

[@vinceniederman]

I’m Sure Bill Walton Was The Nicest Guy Ever!

[@stever1791]

@@vinceniederman For that time with me _ maybe 4 to 5 minutes - He was The Nicest Guy Ever

[@vinceniederman]

@@stever1791 Nice and Bill Walton Is a Big Guy!

[@claudeIsbell]

Great to see this. Have been saying this for 40 years. When he took over a game, it was over. The other team might as well go home. Literally no weaknesses.

[@BlackDogHardRock]

Definitely my favourite video of yours. Had me emotional at the end. Kudos to you,my friend!

[@Jim_L]

I agree that Walton is the greatest "what if." I've caught all the clips I can find of him on that '86 Celtics team, and I just marvel at what he was able to do and get out of those knees and feet that were as brittle as burnt twigs.

[@robertgolan1449]

I agree completely that Bill Walton is the greatest what if in basketball. I was a kid and loved UCLA. I was so upset when they lost to Notre Dame and particularly when they lost to NC State in the tournament. I loved watching Bill Walton play and I think he is the best center I ever saw in college. Had he remained healthy, he would have accomplished so much that he would be on the Mount Rushmore of basketball. Just very sad his body wouldn't hold up.