Inside the NBA remember Bill Walton ❤️

[@KK-pm7ud]

Ernie is such a class act. The NBA is lucky to have him. As are we.

[@kevinbrown5093]

He gives the best eulogies …. A true gentleman

[@MT-sk1ln]

I got teary. I'm a life long blazer fan and Bill brought the peak of sports glory to Oregon. The father 9f Blazermania! Love you Bill!❤

[@Juan_nicolas4]

But the nba is fumbling from losing Inside the NBA in the next year 😢

[@m40dot]

Sadly then they offset that with Draymond

[@Themoomabides]

When Ernie passes away, the NBA better take a day off. That’s the man who represents class 💯

[@andrewsimon713]

Can’t believe we lost Walton. He’s like John Madden equivalent of nba commentary. Every nba on nbc game was so fun. He was such a happy man 😢

[@tswagg504]

John Madden is a perfect comparison.

[@alexanderpetersonap9313]

Great analogy

[@luciousthomas6141]

No question!

[@larryg1902]

I wouldn’t go that far but he was fun to watch growing up!! Always had good energy!!!

[@Daniel-lr4tr]

"Throw it down one time, big man"

[@dannywest9256]

Bill Walton figured it out. Humility, love, patience, kindness, removal of pride yet strive to be the best, to truly think of others first. Virtues of God. Bill Walton is in Heaven.

[@waynejohanson1083]

Proved you can be a winner in life with about being a jerk.

[@erickbolden2584]

We need more Bill Walton’s in this world.

[@YeistheGoat-ww3re]

Mannnn I definitely agree however he’s a 1 in a million type of human being

[@danielabatabogdanov8586]

he a lefty

[@Joe-d3t1t]

Agreed.

[@gsisemore]

@@danielabatabogdanov8586he was one of the only athletes in the 1970s continuing the fight for civil rights publicly and for the war to stop in Vietnam. He was a great man regardless of political affiliation. That certainly should not be what’s focused on at this time. A truly wonderful person and he will be missed.

[@300thNPC]

We need more erickbolden2584's in this world.

[@sacheenmehta1982]

Bill Walton was amazing. It's always tough when you lose such positive uplifting people in the world

[@Zeldawrld]

Corny Npc

[@djnkosi]

Agreed. This one really hurts.

[@erselby]

He was truly one of a kind

[@Sunfew2510]

@@Zeldawrldyour the only npc here

[@douglascarlson9006]

Yup, he was positive and uplifting alright ... Like the way he humiliated his CBB broadcast partner by dumping popcorn on his head while on camera and then grabbing his tie and licking it ...

[@StevenEvens7125]

Throw it down big man throw it down! Best ever. Love you Bill.

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

Damn man Bill Walton was an absolutely Basketball genius!! The man, the myth the legend sir! You will be missed!!

[@elwin38]

RIP William Theodore Walton III🙏🏾🏀 I'll never forget that 1977 NBA final between him and Doc. They were my 1st favorite basketball players ever. RIP "big red"🙏🏾👊🏾

[@datsapaddlin]

Only Shaq could have beef with Bill Walton and Reggie didn’t understand that was supposed to be a moment of silence at the end there 😂

[@David-iv6je]

Of course Shaq did

[@GoatedAtNFS]

well he admitted he was sensitive

[@Zeldawrld]

No one is laughing

[@datsapaddlin]

@@GoatedAtNFS but then he gets mad when people get mad at what he says about them.

[@christophercomitini8619]

This is when Shaq was getting swept in the Finals. He was ultra sensitive. Walton would be relentless in his criticism of Shaq on TV but he also gave him his props.

[@sokit2em]

Shaq admitted to being sensitive. That’s a first

[@Fuzzyhead5060]

Agree, pretty decent job of Shaq putting his ego aside for a good message

[@life4rent90]

Waited til the man was dead to admit he was wrong lol how sweet ❤

[@shaksham.22]

@@life4rent90he said he met him last year so i guess they were fine

[@JS-ln4ns]

Even bringing up beef with Walton and being humble, is still inserting yourself into it as if it’s worth mentioning when remembering a man’s legacy and achievements. It’s not necessary. It’s still a ‘all about me’ move.

[@SleepyDroid]

Charles:: Mr Sensitive Shaq: I'm not sensitive lol

[@krlm2280]

If inside the nba ends tonight, at least they were able to pay homage and honor one last nba legend, the great bill Walton the Jerry Garcia of the nba

[@calebswrld714]

Their contract still has one more season left

[@bassamsyed2028]

they have another season lol

[@scruffd0g193]

Next year is their last

[@alexmammoth2916]

Someone should manifest what ernie closed with into something that can be stapled to the TNT executive's faces. The world, not just the NBA, is lucky to have a human like Ernie. Losing this show is taking away a chance for this beautiful soul to share is wisdom and love on a regular basis. Many talking heada shared their love for Bill today but few can resonate like Ernie's statement does. Soak it up, my friends.

[@reallyreal8159]

Is this show not gonna come back?

[@Henry-y8b9q]

NBA cares about money NBA it's a business they want to make as much as money as possible they don't care about people feelings Warner didn't want to pay too much nbc did so you will see basketball back on NBC so long inside the nba😀😀😀

[@SullyAfgarshe]

Legend of the game, even greater human being 😢 he will be missed dearly

[@williamoleary9330]

If Bill didn’t have all the injuries he did he would have went down as one of the all time great NBA players. He’s always been known as one of the greatest NCAA players of all time

[@ErK1oneZ]

This man won two high school championships two colleges ncaa championships , and two nba championships one with the Trail Blazers and one with the Celtics !!!! Rip Bill Walton !!!!!

[@markfiedor1139]

at one point he had won 146 games in a row through hs and college..then he breaks his back Sr year and they lose to Notre Dame and NC State.

[@zombievikinggaming4258]

​@@markfiedor1139crazy how both him and Bird have serious spinal injuries

[@ErK1oneZ]

@@markfiedor1139 I heard about this very sad but still an all time great !

[@Don-md6wn]

@@zombievikinggaming4258 From what I've read, Bird just beat his body to death. He would run miles of laps in the gym on game days and basically said he knew he wasn't going to have a real long career. Bill Walton was 6' as a sophomore in high school and 6'11" as a freshman at UCLA. I wonder if such a late growth spurt contributed to his frequent stress fractures to his feet and to his back problems.

[@TonyTuckerJr]

Bill Walton will always live in are hearts R.I.P praying for his family

[@dr.feelgood7615]

RIP Bill Walton. We better give Hubie Brown his flowers now while he's still here 💯.

[@jaystacks5249]

Facts, Ernie and others as well. I remember back when Ernie had a tumor in his jaw and was still working. He is a gem

[@shawn1819]

Hubie is the truth. Ive always respected his knowledge of and passion for the game

[@paulhonore1885]

I was thinking of that the other day. I had the google him to see if he was still around.

[@VianoMusicAcademy]

@@paulhonore1885he’s still giving amazing color commentary at age 90!

[@TonyRizzo-h5f]

Hubie, Dick Stockton . Legends . When the nba was on channel 2 WBBM here in Chicago

[@nadspurs]

Very Sad news. Grew up watching him and later listening to his amazing stories. My thoughts to his family. RIP Big Bill Walton

[@spiritoflifeinchristminist9764]

Loved Bills *broadcast on NBC n other networks* ....

[@emandavis1083]

Legend in all aspects of life RIP BILL WALTON🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🕊🕊🕊

[@johnnyguitarwatson5288]

Bill WALTON was just a great human being that happened to be a HOF great basketball player! His positive energy rang ETERNAL and to echo sir Charles Barkley's comments: the WORLD just became less better with the loss of bill WALTON!

[@kikovazquez7277]

Bill was my favorite human in any aspect of all sports - I felt close to him living in Portland during the exact same years that he did, and he was just down the block from me and I saw him around frequently living his life and also doing miracles for the community -- and this still in his "shy" years before he overcame his speech impediment and didn't do much talking in the media. But we all knew how phenomenal his athletic ability was, his dedication to his team and all NBA players, and what a transcendently great man he was. I feel deep gratitude to these great gentlemen of Inside the NBA for beautiful remarks - especially Shaq and Ernie. I was aware of Shaq's resentments for Bill's early criticisms after Bill had promoted Shaq at LSU for future NBA greatness - but now understands.............and Ernie's reading of Bill's message following the death of Ernie's mom had me in tears for the first time watching all of the tributes. It was the essence of Bill Walton. OMG I'm so going to miss him!

[@Don-md6wn]

I'm old enough to have seen Bill Walton play at UCLA. He was an incredible player who could do it all. Block shots, rebound, run the floor, pass, score. Probably the greatest outlet passer ever. He saw the floor and passed the ball like Magic and Bird. One of the guards who played with Walton at Portland said he was used to coming back to get the ball from the big man after he rebounded it. The first time he did that with Walton, Walton threw the ball over his head. Walton told him "our basket is on that end of the floor." In other words, run the floor and I'll get you the ball. I think most people who didn't see him play in his prime (he was a shell of what he had been when he won 6th Man of the Year for Boston's '86 championship team) don't have any idea of how great he was.

[@FupaDoncic]

RIP Bill, Scott Stuart , and Craig Sager. Pure love of the game.

[@Hawkgoulet]

Bill Walton was my favorite part of watching PAC-12 basketball games. He was hilarious and so entertaining.

[@Obiahjones]

Shaqs treatment of Walton has been an absolute disgrace, its been the one indicator of what an absolute bully is really is.

[@ManuelAdelinoFernandes]

Amen, sir.

[@lebronblew5finalsnottop5ne22]

Idk how Kobe dealt with him omg His ego is unbelievable

[@ManuelAdelinoFernandes]

@@lebronblew5finalsnottop5ne22 he didn't... they literally traded punches in a training session, and now it's pretty clear why. He was lazy, childish and didn't committed to the craft. 🤷🏽

[@One.Zero.One101]

Yeah Shaq was lying here. Just 1 month ago Shaq specifically said Walton didn't belong in the big man alliance with Wilt, Kareem, and Russell. And then all of a sudden he's saying the complete opposite.

[@allencruise6299]

Shaq shouldn't be in that panel.

[@moonyu8193]

Of course Shaq was gonna talk about himself and his "G14 classification" on a day like this lol, I still remember during those open court show days where they discussed 50 greatest, and shaq was mad that bill walton for being one 😂

[@supernotnatural]

Shaq had beef with every big then he learned. thats what he is saying

[@Hunyango_007]

@@supernotnatural he learned? lol! shaq is still the petty narcissist compulsive liar that likes to hate and bully people

[@JustoJuarez-oy9ct]

Shaq is a clown

[@cavemanyogi150]

@@JustoJuarez-oy9ct Absolutely. He wants to get competitive years after playing. While spending his prime riding his natural abilities. Shaq was incredibly lazy, and played with the best teammates in NBA history and that isn't even close. No one has had higher quality players around him during their career like Shaq did.

[@coltonbeebe8779]

RIP to an absolute legend. Earnie ended this tribute so well

[@qbert5806]

Earnie is really good at his job. We need to appreciate him while we have him.

[@Jojoburns26]

@@qbert5806 Ernie is without a doubt the glue that makes that team/show what it is. Without him it would likely spiral into a disorganized mess.

[@DAnderson-ls6cb]

That whole tribute to the great Bill Walton was excellent! On so many levels! That's why those guys are the best!

[@djnkosi]

Wonderful tribute. Thanks guys. RIP Bill Walton. 🏀💔🥺🙏🏽

[@alanbarrios6334]

Bill Walton was a legendary Basketball player, Broadcaster & most important a legendary person in every way. His UCLA career with Coach Wooden is those of legends. Still mad Shaq always hated on Bill Walton in interviews even tho he & others paved the way for him.

[@minaleshawawoldesenbet7614]

Rip Bill Walton😢😢😢😢❤❤❤❤

[@Zeldawrld]

Npc moment

[@basilsimsuangco9164]

💔💔💔✝️😢🏀⛹🏼🎙️📺🏆🏆”The Big Red” Mr Bill Walton💐🇺🇸

[@allen35315]

Fantastic tribute - So glad Mr. Johnson shared that email….. On the court, so great to watch. The ‘77 Blazers were something else, but as a Celtic fan living in Boston I always laughed in 1986 knowing we had freakin’ Bill Walton gladly coming off the bench…

[@joeseddit]

Only Aerbauch could make something that happen.

[@allen35315]

@@joeseddit As the story is told, the Celtic team doctor didn’t want to pass Walton’s physical. Auerbach told him to pass him anyway….

[@donaldwilson8163]

We will miss the "GREAT" Bill Walton! I loved to watch him play, just like I love to listen to him commentate a game. His personality was the best, legendary within itself. I love the guy, may he rest in peace. He was legendary in Life, just like he was in Sports.

[@williamevans7726]

Being a huge "old school" basketball fan, I never had the opportunity to meet the great Bill Walton or see him play in person; but I watched him play on television MANY TIMES during his time at UCLA ------- and also during his tenure in the NBA as well.. He was always full of SO MUCH positive energy and enthusiasm ALL THE TIME!! It was such a joy to watch him play.. Unbelievable.. For those who understand the game of basketball on a fundamental level; it was obvious he was a very cerebral player ----- even though he possessed great size & tremendous physical gifts.. For him, the basketball court was like a chess board; and he was always at least 2 to 3 moves AHEAD of the opposition.. The basketball world has lost a truly great one.. BW, thank you for everything you've done for the betterment of humanity; and for your genuine, wonderful, unique, spirit.. RIP "Big Red"..

[@hawkeye0378]

Shaq literally called Bill Walton trash last month and spent over 2 decades trying to downplay his career and said he shouldn’t be in the hall of fame and wasn’t good enough to criticize him. Also, of course Shaq makes his story about Bill all about himself.

[@CalebWilliams2030]

I don’t wish the end on nobody, but if I had beef with someone, I’d say condolences and keep my mouth shut. I’d take the high road if someone I had beef with passed away. Give Shaq a pass on this.

[@ManuelAdelinoFernandes]

@@CalebWilliams2030 youve just explained (pretty well I might add) why people shouldnt give him a pass for this. Don't be a hypocrite, say condolences, and move on! Dont make this (again and again) about yourself.

[@JS-ln4ns]

@@CalebWilliams2030Shaq doesn’t get a pass. His previous petty comments on Walton don’t even deserve to be mentioned when remembering Walton. It’s still a covert egotistical thing to do.

[@sawtoothgrind1981]

He said some nice things, let it go. Bill would.

[@ManuelAdelinoFernandes]

@@sawtoothgrind1981 screw the nice things and false eulogies. Have some F***CKING respect for your peers, co-workers and contemporaries while they're still alive. When it comes to this clown, it is not just about Bill, it's also the pettiness and shade towards Vlad Divac, Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol, David Robinson, Donovan Mitchell, Javale Mcgee, and the list goes on and on, and on... He was never the "fun loving guy" the media used to portray. Glad so many people are now open their eyes to that!

[@gammmon]

Of course Shaq had beef, making it about him again.

[@user-ql2su2qk1v]

I remember this clearly because me & my boys used to joke about it but I’m old enough to remember when Bill Walton used to call Shaquille’s games he was the BIGGEST Shaq fan but Shaquille took a shot @ Bill Walton every chance he got. I never quite understand the disrespect

[@Don-md6wn]

Shaq was always thin skinned and sensitive to every perceived insult.

[@crazirok]

Bill walton, he is one of the best broadcaster, I saw him in the Olympics doing commentating and he researched the opponents, he knew their town they were from and other things, I say wow he did some homework and I liked that about him, his playing career speaks for itself

[@garse70]

Rick Carlisle has just become my favorite HC. I had no idea he was that cool. “Bill, can you hook me up with Dead tickets?”

[@titansfan4215]

Bill Walton truly had a heart of gold. Always had that huge smile on his face.

[@JamesExcell-InterJex]

Bill Walton is so great! His commentary was definitely for ballers. Helped me out listening to him. World is not as good of a place without him. Such a joy.

[@Buzzzzz-22]

Bill Walton was an amazing in every aspect of life.

[@Joe-d3t1t]

Bill Walton was himself all the time. Genuine as they come. RIP Mr. Walton

[@chuckroberts3873]

Such a loving and touching tribute from great men about a great man, who personally, I will never forget.

[@jenniferrobertson254]

Love them for honoring Bill! Bill taught us all to have fun and do everything with passion!!!!!!

[@stevebiddle8912]

A very nice and well deserved tribute to a great man!! RIP Bill.

[@williamoleary9330]

We are going to miss Bill Walton very much. He was a beautiful human being that brought so much joy, intelligence and love into the World.

[@markfiedor1139]

Walton was my inspiration to switch from baseball to basketball in the late 70's and try to play in college. My first start as a freshman was against UCLA at Pauley in late 81. We watched the game on tape delay back in the hotel and Walton was sitting in as the color guy. My first shot was an airball baseline jumper. . .Walton. comments . "That's his first shot of the game. . .maybe it should be his last shot of the game." lol. My idol busting my chops.

[@mongoslade277]

You were pretty good bc a lot of freshman didn't start in 1981. What was your school

[@shawn1819]

Lol. Classic Bill. Thats actually pretty crazy that u had everything come full circle in that moment

[@JB00__00BJ]

*We always talk about what true greatness means, who's had the hardest road, and superteams....* *The 1977 Blazers are 1 of 2 teams to play in a 1970s Finals series ('76 Suns), and the only 1970s team to WIN a Finals with just one star or Hall of Fame player, maybe in all NBA history.... Bill Walton was a man's man!!!!*

[@mikemiller8430]

I don't know if you could tell me this but was there a Blazer moment in that package? I saw a lot of UCLA a lot of Boston and I thought I saw a snippet of the clippers

[@mongoslade277]

Maurice Lucas isn't in the HOF?? Smh

[@JB00__00BJ]

@@mongoslade277 I checked 3 websites (including NBA) and he is NOT in the HoF....

[@mongoslade277]

@@JB00__00BJ Wow!! A multiple time NBA all star, with a great college career, and good in the ABA that won at every level & Not in the HOF. Okay

[@JB00__00BJ]

@@mongoslade277 Yeah its def debatable, but I think you either have to be THE MAN on a team for several seasons (more than 5) or be a critical role player on championship-winning teamS.... in that regard, it makes sense that really good players aren't in the Hall.... it's called the Hall of *Fame* and you won't remain famous without the championships- you'll get shrouded in history.... when you think of Toni Kukoc, you don't think of an individually dominant player, but, as a Chicago native, the Mid-Late 90s Bulls wouldn't even have a chance against the '94 Knicks or '95 Magic, and they absolutely needed his size and versatility against the Pacers and Jazz.... when you think of Manu Ginobli, he's not worth much if he's the number 1 or 2 guy on any other team.... Tony Parker was forgotten when he played for Charlotte.... Gilbert Arenas used a comparison with Manu in terms of a star/flashy NBA career/lifestyle vs winning and system- Manu will win (as a helper) and a typical star won't help to win, but he'll put on a show and make more money!!!!

[@reginaldperiwinkle]

Ernie asked him to "throw it down big man" but instead Shaq missed the free throw.

[@milenadeltorto7158]

Ah, that was just beautiful guys. Thank you guys! ❤ RIP Bill!

[@Will_Schrank]

Moving tributes by each of them. Bill Walton has been one of my basketball heroes and favorite players since he was at UCLA and I was a little kid. I wrote to him when he was with the Blazers and he replied with an autographed photo and an inspiring note. I haven’t looked at it in over 40 years but one part I have never forgotten was “always win with humility and lose with grace”. Thanks Bill for being an inspiration to me for more than half a century - and to many millions of others. (Note, Kenny mentioned that Bill was a three time All-American at UCLA. True, but he was also three time NCAA Player of the Year.)

[@uptopboss1494]

Love this brother he lived happily ever day until he died condolences to his family ❤

[@andygrenn680]

Cue up Grateful Dead for the great Bill Walton…Louder, louder, louder…

[@sterlingfury]

Bill Walton was one of the best college players ever

[@LBNLDC1]

After Alcindor, the best.

[@Paulmartinez-no9qm]

Worked Security for Bill Walton during the Final Four in Charlotte. Was such a down to earth amazing person to everyone on the set! Will be missed.

[@garfieldburke2820]

Throw it down big man in haven RIP bill Walton

[@Zeldawrld]

Npc rider

[@king_has_no_clothskul8635]

WALTON WAS A GREAT GREAT PLAYER AND FANTASTIC TO LISTEN IN COMMENTARY.

[@roger_is_red]

he was awesome on every level

[@Joe-d3t1t]

PAC 12 after dark will never be the same. I only tuned in to hear Bill. RIP Legend

[@coreyano]

Bill autobiography my favorite book. They gonna create a great award in his name

[@kdrbeav]

I grew up in Portland, was in my early 20’s when Bill came to the Trailblazers. In my opinion those years he was a Blazer, Bill Walton was the greatest center to EVER play the game. Defense, positioning for rebounding, his outlet passes!!! My Oh My!! No one player made his teammates better than Bill Walton. He was a legend on and off the court. His passion for the game, the PAC-12 “conference of champions” as he frequently stated, and zest for life will be missed for sure. Check out John Canzanos’s podcast from today’s Bald Faced Truth show. John replayed a number of interviews he had with Bill. Epic!!

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

He was 1 of 1......a legend.

[@BlackJupiterOfficial]

Keep on truckin Bill!!! never heard of an NBA player being into the Grateful Dead but I think that just shows how different Bill was, such a cool cat, RIP

[@timsmith3621]

I have always liked listening to the guys on Inside The NBA, but that was the most touching segment ever.

[@shakiemjeanjoseph428]

REST IN PEACE BILL WALTON💔🕊️🙏

[@dooffy4817]

Shaq always found a way to beef with people, even bill walton of all people. Shows his true character

[@jtaco4101]

Bill was massively critical of Shaq on TV for years. Do you not remember that? Same thing as the players that get mad and Shaq and Chuck now.

[@ManuelAdelinoFernandes]

​​@@jtaco4101lol massively critical. He was MILDLY critical after those finals against the Rockets... This big dummy never got his emotions in check, and has tarnished Bill's reputation over these last years in a selfish way just to feed his ego. He should be ashamed and don't even be participating in this tribute. Like my dude up here said, showed his true character flaws.

[@KClouisville]

@@ManuelAdelinoFernandes This. He offered good constructive criticism of Shaq and instead of taking it like a damn adult, Shaq badmouthed Walton ever since then. For like DECADES.

[@acnicodemus4734]

Because Shaq's an emotional lesbian

[@ohen]

Yea, for someone who is blessed with an enormous amount of natural talent to play basketball, who has won everything there is to win and has made a fortune, Shaq has the thinnest skin ever. There's also stories (and some self-told) of him getting into fights with people over people simply criticizing him. Unbelievable bully especially because he's so damn big. Just an insecure baby in a giant's body.

[@fernandovargas2340]

He had a unique voice. Loved him. God bless him, I remember him say throw it down big man thow it down

[@timothywoods4329]

Going 21/22 in the National championship game is wild.

[@antonioalexandercastro3520]

And he did it at the time the DUNK was illegal (game change because of Lew Alcindor, I think).

[@robertmckinney1898]

Wow, that was nice. R.I.P. Bill Walton.

[@mikeflint8291]

Outstanding Tribute. Each and every part of this segment is a great tribute to one of THE greatest center of all time and super human being that enjoyed and embraced life like none other - the one of a kind BILL WALTON. Reggie Miller, Charles Barkley, Ernie Johnson, Draymond Greene, Kenny Smith, and surprisingly Shaq, who I enjoy and only blemish was picking at Bill, made up for it in the segment, by acknowledging Walton as one of the 5 greatest centers in the "alliance"/pantheon that includes Wilt, Russell, and Kareem. This is another reason why "Inside the NBA" is the best.

[@jackfrost9236]

I love all sports greats. Our NBA game owes Mr Walton respect R.I.P Mr Walton

[@geedubb-q1u]

Considering Bills knees while in College and him having such a great career he overcame a lot in life. Imagine UCLA with Kareem, then Bill Walton. Two of the greatest players who ever played that position.

[@sj4632]

RIP Bill Walton. Legend…

[@jonncockrell3606]

I would take Walton over Shaq anytime Walton's feet were healthy. Better person also. One of the All-time Greats.

[@kdrbeav]

Totally agree

[@adam-bz8gl]

Ah life, only memories we have to cherish. Thanks Bill😢

[@slimcris7964]

R.I.P Bill Walton

[@danielcho2698]

Legend gone way too soon. RIP Bill Walton

[@jujuthedude]

Obviously I didn’t know Bill but I have fond memories of hearing him on commentary when I was first getting into the NBA as a kid. Never will forget the way he would say “throw it down big man throw it down” he was such a character. But as a huge fan of the history of the game I’ve said for years that the average fan doesn’t quite realize the career that was ahead of him if he stayed healthy. He won a Championship and Finals MVP in his 3rd season on a team without another superstar, he won league MVP the next year , then got hurt in the first round before he could defend his title. He only played 14 total games over the next 4 seasons and somehow recovered and went on to be the 6th man of the year in 1986 and won another championship that year playing 80/82 games for arguably the greatest single season Celtic team ever in their franchises storied history . That’s an incredible comeback. You could argue in that 1-2 year span before the injuries he was the best player in the world at 25-26 years old over Kareem and Dr J and if Bill stayed healthy maybe he’d have ended up in the top 10 all time or higher because he was on that trajectory. I’d describe him as like a mix of Jokic, Duncan and Bill Russell, incredible 2 way player who sacrificed scoring if necessary even at his peak for the good of the team. Nonetheless from all accounts he was an even greater person than he was a player and that’s amazing given how great of a player he was. He will be missed and should always be remembered by NBA fans and the world.

[@daviddufresne9905]

My favorite was on NBA '96 where they had him do the commentary. "Sometimes you have to wonder if these guys have ever played basketball before". Yeah I sucked at video games so I heard that one a lot :D

[@Joe-d3t1t]

His PAC 12 Basketball broadcasts, Iconic. Can’t be duplicated. Literally did it HIS WAY. Legend

[@thomaswesterman6950]

Bill Walton for a lot of us Great story Teller -Great commentator -A fun light hearted highly intelligent philosopher-a great college and nba player who was fun to listen too and had an appreciation of many things beyond basketball and brought it back to his commentary

[@patrickmcguire7929]

Thank You Men🙏🏻🥲What a nice group of memories, from fellow Legends.

[@pedrogates3189]

“Throw it down big man throw it down “ I remember him saying that every time Shaq or another big dude in the league dunked on someone , the nba on nbc in the 90s was part of my childhood snapper jones bill walton and Tom Hammond on the prime time game of their triple headers on Saturday/Sunday evenings were legendary man just legendary just like John madden & pat summerall on fox and Al Michaels on MNF just legendary man !! I love the 90s

[@joelspov2023]

Great tribute guys

[@michaelharris8294]

Met Bill Walton on a Flight From Charlotte to Columbus to Phoenix Commercial and he had a smile big and tall. Because of Logistics I didn't have a chance to really speak but to say Hi. He scores 21-22 Field Goals against my Home team the University of Memphis. Memphis State University Great Team with Larry Finch our Home Town Hero with Ronnie Robinson and Dr K. Larry Kennon and Others. Were miss u The Great Doller Bill Walton 32

[@mongoslade277]

Went to school in Memphis when Finch was the head coach. Anytime a point guard came close to a record of Larry Finch, he reduced their playing time 😂

[@Jamesdylandean]

I appreciated the humility of Shaq here, life is a process of transition, and our critics are often the major factor in our advancements.

[@reidfarrill3917]

I remember Bill's brilliance at UCLA. I also remember Bill's zany broadcasting career. You could see he was really smart and well read but the stuff he spoke about was offbeat to say the least. The Portland NBA Championship was really special. The 1986 Boston Celtic Championship team is arguably one of the greatest ever. Only John Wooden could keep Big Red in check. RIP big man. 6'11 not 7 feet!!!

[@ebackvon]

I'm 62 years old, and I remember how Bill dominated the paint during the Trail Blazers Championship in 1977. I'm also a lifelong Deadhead. Safe travels, Bill Walton. What a long strange trip it's been❤

[@paulhonore1885]

In the 90s Bill Walton and Sam Jones would commentate those games. Some of the best times in my life . R.I.P. Bill 🙏🏾

[@acnicodemus4734]

Shaq is an emotional lesbian. Him hating on Bill Walton was totally unnecessary. What a big baby.

[@AD-eq4kn]

My friend got to meet him in Denver in the 2004 nba all star game. My friend shook his hand. That was memorable

[@mtgmtg3090]

Shaq ain't the happy guy from the commercials.

[@keronwindley4950]

A lot of personal struggles,.. etc

[@patd.9140]

Walton was called Medical Bill because he was injured so much. His rebirth on the Celtics in '86 was awesome and Boston needed it. RIP Bill

[@carlacheeks1889]

The main event. My heart... In heaven..well done. ❤️

[@allysonsamuel3918]

Condolences to his family. Rest easy Mr. 'Throw it Down'

[@adam-bz8gl]

Ah life, thats Bill for so many memories and exciting moments

[@P_Sandhu]

Throw it DOWN big man! 📢

[@joshdavenport5787]

❤️ you all .. Inside the NBA!!! Thee legends

[@Cogs84]

Awesome guy R.I.P. brotha