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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The 5th Season by Nono
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All Skate by Bonus Points - / all-skate
Rain by ANBR
Frame by KV -
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[@ClaytonCrowley]

RIP Big Red. My favorite video/subject ever. I hope I did him proud.

[@ericadamcik8039]

I know you did. He would've loved and been humbled by the job you did.

[@Jonathan_2324]

You did

[@user-iv9er3nr6z]

❤️ bill Walton my hero

[@ActivBowser9177]

Came back here after Bill Walton sadly passed away today. Rest in peace, legend.

[@78tag]

Me too 🙂🙃

[@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.

[@jd4444]

You’re clueless, Walton along with Wilty was the goat. No one else could do all areas of basketball as those two. Then comes Bird. Jordan was a ballhog, couldn’t dribble or pass and never rebounded. Jordan would not have even been allowed to play in the old days since he palmed and carried the basketball every time he dribbled. Traveled a lot also.etc.

[@jd4444]

Plus they changed the rules for Jordan. In the old days he would not have been allowed to go into the paint. And the refs called everything for Jordan.

[@yoda6142]

Here after Bill’s death. This is one of your most captivating and well-made videos, thank you for sharing a story that would otherwise go unknown by thousands. RIP Bill Walton.

[@michaelnicolas8251]

came to pay my respects. RIP to the legend

[@78tag]

YES

[@foreverpattk]

Coming here after his death. Rest in peace, Bill Walton 🐐❤️

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@timbarnett3898]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@pewpewTN]

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]

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

[@joshuachang5210]

@@pewpewTN 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.

[@pewpewTN]

@@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]

@@pewpewTN Was it FIRST OR SECOND TEAM

[@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.

[@bladefox5082]

Rest in piece Bill Walton ❤️

[@michaelwells8547]

RIP Bill - A true legend

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@vinnyd2197]

Clayton, because I saw this video when it came out, I was emotional when Bill Walton passed away. Thanks for telling this story so well. RIP Bill Walton

[@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...

[@ByronJames7]

Passing my respects to a great player and greater human being... R.I.P Bill Walton

[@stevenmccart5455]

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

[@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

[@pewpewTN]

@@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@captay7251]

25:51 Poetic Man R.I.P BIG BILL WALTON

[@Dottor_J]

Had to revisit this gem. The ending with Bill Walton just soaking in the post championship bliss in Bird's kitchen is everything

[@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.

[@shawnyoung8752]

24 in 77.

[@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.

[@captay7251]

Came back to this after hearing about Waltons Passing. THANK YOU, BIG BILL WALTON R.I.P

[@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!

[@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.

[@jordanverbeek5121]

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

[@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!

[@sjkebab]

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

[@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 .

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@chrispaul7849]

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

[@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.

[@scottg6754]

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

[@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.

[@frankthomas1423]

RIP Legend

[@dshooter6391]

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

[@johngriffin141]

I was fortunate to grow up being able to watch him play, I always had great respect for Bill. As a Celtics fan I was so happy when he joined the team and watched the entire 86 season. Bill was an incredibly gifted player and I hope he is playing pain free right now. RIP Bill.

[@guillermoportillo7949]

Who’s here after Bill Walton died? 😢

[@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.

[@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.

[@javigar133]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@zygun48]

RIP to Bill. Still one of the great videos of all time about one of the truly great players of all time.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@SeaBeast902]

This one hits hard Clayton, good job

[@Amick44]

It does. A beautiful team to watch and enjoy.

[@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.

[@user-qm4go1oc3g]

I came here because I first heard about this beautiful man from this video. Please rest peacefully.

[@TheCman183]

Rip goat, had to come back here after i heard the news today.

[@awc6007]

RIP Bill Walton, he will live on in NBA history and mythology.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@GabbyBabby-pp1lx]

Rip Bill, you were one of the greatest players to ever do it, a true character and legend of the game.

[@pewpewTN]

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.

[@ccglynch]

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

[@agent-65]

RIP Bill Walton

[@just_2swift]

This hurt 😢 such good man great speaker. Definitely will miss him. Thanks for the memories Bill 😢

[@richardklambie]

Great story! Thanks for putting it together...

[@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.

[@jordaniscancelled3327]

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

[@lukekiefer5964]

What a phenomenal job you did putting this story together! You captured the essence of Walton beautifully within the way you rode the wave of his life story. You can feel Walton in your video. Thank you for such an amazing work of art

[@stevenashe8900]

EXCELLENT video. Well done. That ‘74 season as a 12 year-old (and a junior high b-baller myself) was my first recollection of college basketball and I idolized Bill Walton. I remember both the Notre Dame loss and watching the North Carolina State loss and being so disappointed.

[@dylanm1174]

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

[@luisrodrigues3773]

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

[@garchompdude]

Jesus Christ that outro story. Brings me to tears man.

[@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

[@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.

[@JoelGraves]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@ltukkyle]

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

[@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 !

[@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

[@johper3779]

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

[@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?

[@caseykahler5328]

This was great. Well done, Clayton. Great compilation and narration. BW is basketball. What a unique man, talent and treasure. Triple Crown baller as one of the greatest college basketball players, NBA Champ, MVP and 6th man winner, and then his transformation from a having a speech impediment to being an outspoken and flamboyant NBA and college baseball TV color commentator. And, such a passionate and enthusiastic force of nature despite all the injuries, back problems after basketball and at the end cancer. Yet there he was - 2 of his last games on TV in Corvallis on Jan 25 and in Eugene om Feb 10 his last broadcast - and we had no idea or clue as to what he was dealing with at the time. He was his flamboyant, and positive force calling up all his favorite Oregon references to bring the broadcasts to life. He burst upon the national scene as a winner and left the national stage as a winner. God Blessed us with Bill Walton. May he rest in peace.

[@ironcladranchandforge7292]

RIP big Red. I remember, because I was there in '77. Great memories. You'll be missed!!

[@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