Memories of Bill Walton: My Rival, My Brother and My Close Friend

[@danlowe8684]

"Tell your old man to drag Walton and Lanier up and down the court for 48 minutes."

[@melissaford717]

Nice! Thanks for the giggles 😃

[@stevewise1656]

Yes, Airplane. Classic scene.

[@joyce2680]

???

[@danlowe8684]

@@joyce2680 It was a line from Kareem's character in the movie Airplane! after a young kid told him that his dad thought he didn't try until the playoffs and sometimes didn't even run down the court.

[@joyce2680]

@@danlowe8684 Thanks for 2 reasons: the quick reply and the reminder! I forgot all about that.🤣 I'm going to watch the movie again ... might even throw on a couple of Leslie Nielsen and/or Police Academy flicks.😆 Enjoy the weekend!

[@krumbleme2]

Thank you for these words Kareem. You are a class act and a shining light as a human being. Bless You Elder.

[@liarcheckmate701]

And damn you look good Kareem.

[@jayrodriguez84]

✝️ *God offers forgiveness of sins through His Son Jesus Christ. Repent and believe in the good news of Jesus Christ unto eternal life.* ✝️ *For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,* I Corinthians 15:3‭-‬4 NKJV ✝️ *that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.* Romans 10:9 NKJV

[@johnwattdotca]

@@jayrodriguez84 Do you have anything about North America?

[@David-iv6je]

Kareem is the real deal.

[@petergreen5337]

❤well said

[@AximandTheCursed]

Kind words from the big man for a fellow legend, RIP to Bill Walton.

[@rickycole6327]

I also think there's a UCLA connection in knowing that they were the two best players in the history of college basketball.

[@Robert-tj3qq]

​@@rickycole6327Pete Marovich #44

[@ronschwolsky1626]

KAJ and Bill Walton.... two class acts both on and off of the court. Respect!

[@rickycole6327]

I think it's more of a UCLA connection and knowing that they were the two best college basketball players of all time.

[@magoo521]

As a lifelong Celtics fan, I have the utmost respect for you both. After an injury-plagued career, I’m glad Bill went out a winner.

[@carlreed6186]

used to live hearing the PA announcer say basket by Lew Alcindor...when he played for the Bucks.

[@Einniethepooh]

Don't forget Reggie Miller, who also went to UCLA

[@appropriatelyinappropriate13]

You're a good man, Kareem. Sorry for your loss.

[@thomasoswalt416]

I’ve never felt so old seeing Kareem remembering Bill Walton

[@HorizonOfHope]

Heartfelt and beautiful. Kareem and Walton were giants on court but somehow even greater off the court.

[@mrpzpdx]

❤

[@rickycole6327]

@@HorizonOfHope Their bond was more historical I think because Kareem and Bill were the two best players in the history of UCLA and college basketball.

[@josephvitielo1693]

John Wooden a greAt teacher to both men

[@JohnCorrell-xo9ww]

Thank you, Kareem, for your comments about Bill. You and he were both great players, but more importantly, great men. You were a guest speaker in Omaha, NE in May 2010, and you allowed me to take your picture with my friend, Chris, who has a TBI, and has always been a huge fan of yours. That picture is still hanging in Chris' room today. Thank you!

[@HRConsultant_Jeff]

I think Bill squeezed out all the good he could get from life before he left us. You never had to guess where Bill stood on things especially helping other humans.

[@RogerPeet]

Bill will always be a Hero to all the Blazer fans. BillWalton4Ever

[@msieger89]

Class act. RIP, BW. Thanks for your words, Kareem.

[@nanook8721]

A lovely tribute to a lovely human from a lovely human. RIP and thank you Bill Walton.

[@theomegaman218]

Kareem ??? A lovely man ??🤔

[@BrianMolstad]

Walton was immensely likeable and highly skilled center. He will be missed.

[@bzab334]

Kareem your words from the heart are much appreciated. Thank You.

[@MA_808]

Kareem, years ago you used to visit our apartment complex in Covina. Of course, I had no idea that you would make such a great impact on sports and society. I just knew you played basketball at UClA. You became the greatest player in the history of basketball and now you have made an important and thoughtful statement on your good friend. Well done for a lifetime.

[@Hayesb198]

Well said Kareem . Both bill and Kareem were among the greatest college BB players ever. Who ever don’t think so, it’s just cause you are too young to have witnessed

[@rickycole6327]

I think that is their strongest connection playing at UCLA both of them knowing there is no debate that they were the two best players in the history of college basketball RIP BILL 🌺

[@dwartfarquart9590]

I am sorry for your loss of your close friend. It is admirable you could find the strength to honor him with these kind words.

[@ARIZJOE]

Thank you Kareem, for being such a good person, and a nice man. You have not been appreciated enough for your intellect and humanity.

[@patrick815]

Be the light, shine the light ✨️

[@gbru]

Captain great remembrance. My fondest memory as a sports spectator was watching you wag your index finger (No. 1) at the Boston Garden crowd June 9th, 1985. You were a worthy MVP then & properly in the G.O.A.T. conversation today.

[@samknox1]

Speaking of Coach Wooden, when Walton was a Junior at UCLA and, by consensus, the best player in college basketball, he told Wooden that if he couldn’t grow a beard he was going to transfer to another school. Coach Wooden’s response: “Bill, we’re sure going to miss you.”

[@JGldmn333]

Haha...that's hilarious!!! Didn't know that.

[@MisterBill1975]

The actual story, as told by Coach Wooden himself, was Walton asking Wooden if he meant what he said about people standing up for their beliefs. When Wooden replied in the affirmative, Walton said that one of his beliefs was being able to wear his hair as he saw fit. Coach said that he respected Bill for having beliefs, but that he, Wooden, also had beliefs and he believed that Walton was going to be missed when he was no longer part of the basketball program.

[@projoebiochem]

@@MisterBill1975 Reportedly Walton jumped on his bicycle and reappeared just in time to make practice with his hair cut and beard shaved.

[@btlarkin]

⁠@@MisterBill1975maybe but kinda complicated. I remember it the way he wrote the story. Short and to the point.

[@jorgerocha1184]

RIP big red I remember watching you play 👍

[@michaelluna1968]

Two wonderful examples of Dignified intelligent human Beings. Kareem and Bill Walton. Bless them both.

[@rickycole6327]

They had a NBA bond as well as a UCLA bond very kind words about Bill and straight from the heart. RIP BILL 🌺

[@bigaspaulo]

Everyone who knew Bill Walton was truly blessed. To be remembered as such a positive and principled human who radiated gratitude by all he met is, to me, the mark of a life well lived. My condolences on the death of your friend, Mr. Abdul-Jabbar.

[@michaelcroteau5919]

This one hurts. Well said, champ.

[@jameschan9634]

I was Blessed by the fact that my formative years were spent watching Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Bill Walton, Truly Great Basketball Players, who are also Great Human Beings. The youth of today don't have great role models to emulate like those 2.

[@joinjen3854]

Yes...they have REAL heros that are awarded Medals of Honor and fight for their country. Sports , Hollywood etc are even in the same category. You are a fool.

[@rickycole6327]

Kareem and Bill bond was a very strong bond because of their place in UCLA and college basketball history.

[@noahmyavon]

Their arevstill ballers with grace and dignity today

[@jameschan9634]

@@noahmyavon True, the foreign born ones. Steph Curry is one of the few Americans, for sure.

[@GregoryWorth-m6l]

Thank you Kareem for honoring your rival, Brother and close friend, Bill Walton. I have always respected you for your incredible basketball talent on the court, but even more so as man hearing this very moving tribute.

[@rickycole6327]

@@GregoryWorth-m6l I think their close bond came from playing at UCLA playing for Coach Wooden and their historical bond knowing that they were the two best college basketball player of all time

[@kenhasibar2624]

Kind words Always well thought out Beyond the greatest center, you have always been a leader Intelligence alone, there aren't many like you 🖖

[@joyce2680]

Well said and so true!

[@timothy4664]

Im sorry for your loss Kareem.

[@Hyper_Driven]

Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Bill Walton legends who made many memories. You’ll never have legends that impacted the game on and off the court as well as social responsibility. Not many legends like this left. Grateful to have been alive to witness such greatness. RIP Bill Walton.

[@ChristiaanHartNibbrig]

I grew up a UCLA fan, and idolized Kareem (then Lew Alcindor) and the great Bill Walton. As great as players as they were (and Kareem is the best center who ever lived, in my opinion; Walton would have been top ten, if not for injuries), both seemed to be better human beings. Condolences to Kareem at the loss of his dear friend, and the deepest respect to Kareem for what he has done on-and-off the court.

[@johnkoziel789]

Two other notable centers came out of UCLA, immediately after Kareem and Bill. Swen Nater and Mark Eaton, both played pro for twelve years.

[@ChristiaanHartNibbrig]

@@johnkoziel789 Swen Nater was a counselor at a basketball camp I attended as a kid. Nice young man, as I recall.

[@rickycole6327]

I think their UCLA bond was very strong being the two greatest players in the history of UCLA and college basketball

[@ChristiaanHartNibbrig]

@@rickycole6327 Agree. And both mentored/coached by the greatest coach of all-time.

[@jaydogtitan-ok3vw]

Kareem you and Bill Walton were just like Bird and Magic, Great competitors and greater friends.

[@anthonytaylor7928]

Great friends and competitors but a dumb comparison by u

[@rickycole6327]

I think they have a very strong bond having played at UCLA and a historic bond knowing that they were the two best players in UCLA and college basketball history.

[@jaydogtitan-ok3vw]

@anthonytaylor7928 I don't have time to deal with children boy!!

[@johnz8843]

Kind words from one quality guy about another -- both happened to be superstars.

[@rickycole6327]

Both have a unique bond they were the two best players in UCLA and college basketball history

[@fosbergd]

Thank you Cap for your heartfelt memories and inspiring first-hand testaments of your time with Bill. As a life-long Blazer Fan, I appreciate the recognition you bestowed upon not only Bill but the way that Championship Blazer squad from '77 played as a cohesive unit. Bill means so much to every Blazer Fan and I'm so pleased that he meant so much to you. Much respect Kareem and RIP City to our beloved Bill.

[@jeffreystefanik6415]

Hang in there Kareem, you have the complete respect of this hardcore Celtics fan.

[@frederickrapp5396]

Kareem is starting to show his age. “When you crash into your 70’s, you better enjoy what short time you have left.” RIP Bill Walton for all eternity.

[@ClueSign]

These articulate masters of the game are heading off the court. All praise for their class and wisdom. ❤

[@barrywiegert9743]

2 classy guys! Loved to watch this generation! Players these days are a joke

[@michelleeditor]

Oh Captain, my Captain! So nice to share this video with us. Go Bruins.

[@lorrainefranchi9105]

Walt Whitman

[@EricMilton4165]

What a remarkable thing that the two greatest players in NCAA basketball history were such good friends. It's even more important that both of you have spent a lifetime speaking out for peace, for human rights, and for justice for all humanity, and you've both done it with grace, with honesty, and with great, great dignity. I will forever treasure the L.A. Talks event with both of you on stage talking about your book on your relationship with Coach Wooden. The love and respect you had for each other was clear for all to see. Two all-time great players and two all-time great men. Thank you, Kareem, for all that you've given to humanity, and may God bless the family, friends, and fans of the great Bill Walton. He will never be forgotten.

[@rickycole6327]

@@EricMilton4165 It's such a unique bond being the two best players in the history of UCLA and college basketball.

[@carlbenson6412]

Thank you sir for that great remembrance...both of you were & are 2 of my heroes as a kid growing up in the 70's. I knew Bill a little bit many years ago & he was a memorable conscientious person.

[@TommyBackwater41]

Besides being a great player Kareem always seemed liked the nicest guy . Good to see he’s still around .

[@joshuaolayanju9658]

Sorry for your loss.

[@prof3ssor178]

This is beautiful right here!

[@amacali2319]

You're a very special man Kareem, i'm from a much younger generation, but I can still recognise that they don't make men like you anymore (or not as often). You're an inspiration, and a great mind.

[@ABrownVB63]

Cap, great words, met you back in your DC days, then in LA i applied for a gig at your jazz label, lol, it wax great seeing you in the early 2000s in front of the Schomberg where your exhibition on Buffalo soldiers debuted. Great to have met you Cap.

[@dunning-krugereffect9383]

You are one of the classiest human beings alive. Thank you for being the person you are. I have been following you even before you changed your name and converted to Islam. You’re a National Treasure sir.

[@ChristianHarrilal]

Sorry for all losses❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉💐💐💐💐

[@demtriusupshaw2056]

R.I.H Bill love you also still greatest center ever Kareem the hook master!!!!

[@JD-zd8tm]

Walton blocked Kareem's Sky hook

[@williamoleary9330]

What a beautiful thing you’ve said here Mr. Jabbar. We are going to miss Bill Walton very much. He was such a beautiful person. God Bless both of you.

[@robertjones8598]

In 1986 when Bill became a Celtic late in a career with lots of injuries, he thrilled even Larry Bird with his court sense, passing and talent. To me that 1986 team was the best of the 80’s, and the addition off Bill Walton coming off the bench to relieve the big guys, and his sheer happiness in that role on that team, was a big part of it.

[@paulkaufmann8130]

Anybody would be lucky to have either of these two as friends. Well done, Kareem. Classy.

[@stephenchalmers71]

Bill and Kareem were two of my favorite players to watch growing up as a kid in the 70s and teenager in the 80s. I have zero interest in today’s NBA, but those guys were must see TV back in the day. It’s been great over the years to discover that, as good as they were as players, they’re both even better people. RIP Bill.

[@markcatanzaro9699]

Great words from a great man! Thank you Kareem and love to Bill Walton and his family ❤

[@jim2431]

God bless you Kareem ❤

[@charlesbromberick4247]

Kareem and Bill - two suitable heros in every way - at 5´7"" I looked up to them both (and in so many ways)!

[@MsNerdsRevenge]

Thank you Kareem. Coach Wooden was amazing.

[@darrellkinkade9205]

TWO greats who played the game the way it was supposed to be played, for the LOVE of the GAME!

[@916Smoke]

Kareem that's was awesome. You and Bill are larger than life. As an NBA fan. You and Bill mean a lot to the NBA and it's history. Your my dad's age Kareem your generation is one of a kind. Thanks for the memories Bill.

[@rickycole6327]

@@916Smoke Kareem and Bill share a UCLA bond and a historical bond that they were the two best players in the history of college basketball.

[@dnyce8224]

RIP to the Old Timer!! Sending my condolences to Luke and the family.

[@BlueRivers]

Bill Walton was the best basketball player and an even better human. Class act. RIP Bill = you'll always be THE GOAT to me!

[@406dn7]

Such a beautiful tribute from one great man to another great man. Kareem, you have been a role model to more people than you could possibly imagine.

[@ericmares8036]

Sorry for the B.S. you had to put up with in this country. Thanks for "Showtime" in the 80's. RIP B. Walton.

[@gregnicholson1447]

you are a gem Kareem,, love your authenticity and honesty

[@noahmyavon]

Kareem is the greatest. The embofiement of livevsnd enlightenmdny

[@Breeder333]

The way you speak I could just listen for ever. It’s real thought and real truth . Walton the same but with a different presentation. You two really are class acts.

[@zachmartin1458]

Sir, you are a good man. My condolences at the loss of your good friend.

[@hllok]

Thanks Kareem! We lost a good one. Your tribute was so heartfelt.

[@garykass114]

Kareem-you are a class act on and off the court. Not only that,you are a great person to look up to(especially if you are 2 feet shorter than you,lol)!!!!

[@averyce2]

Thanks GOAT for sharing your gems on B. Walton

[@stevebetker829]

Thank you Kareem. I will always remember you at your book signing . You and your friends laughed a good laugh when I said thanks for going to ucla cap. And you said you’re welcome. 😊😊😊. I along with with many others who saw you play know you are the true greatest basketball player ever to lace them up and hit the court. Lord bless always. We will always remember bill . So sorry to hear the bad news of your brothers passing. 🙏🙏🙏

[@ZyggyZero]

There is only one you, sir. But this world needs so many more like you, sir.

[@stevenyates4535]

Hope these awesome folks made it into heaven. I followed Bill Walton for decades and what a great person😊

[@simplexity4u]

One great man recognizing the life of another great man... pure class.

[@Jippa_33]

Thanks for sharing a great story about a great man, Bill Walton. You’re a legend Kareem 🧡

[@whooley8782]

Bless you, sir. You obviously possess the same level of class as Bill Walton.

[@christopherharper9818]

Thank you for your kindness, thoughtful insights and uprightness Mr. Abdul-Jabbar ❤️💛💚

[@bobbafett1849]

As an old white man who was a short ass white boy in the 70s, Kareem was my idol and the *only* shot i ever had was my version of the sky hook!

[@Daniel-wd4jg]

Growing up in Portland I remember May '77. Later in HS with AC Green and his legacy. Thank You Kareem! Your Respectful and all class and manners!

[@stugabe33]

I remember as a youngster buying and reading your book "The Big A". It inspired me to play the game of basketball. I'd play endless hours on our backyard hoop that my dad built for me. I would pretend I was Kareem vs Bill Walton. Thank you Kareem, for your kind words of Bill and for sharing some heartfelt memories. You and Bill will always be my favorites. God bless.

[@theress9063]

Thank you for sharing this amazing story of friendship, competition and love. God bless!

[@roadrunner381]

Kind words, and deserving, about Bill Walton, whom we will miss, from one of my sports heroes, thank you Kareem, I've have looked up to you and admired you, every since 71 as an 11 yr old boy, were lucky to have you, God bless you!🌍🌛🌕🙏

[@kathygrosvenor4464]

You both are men of great substance. Mr. Abdul-Jabbar, you have always been “Winning At Life”. The value and love you possess for your family, friends and your opponents is the perfect message to send to young boys and girls. You’re my hero.

[@youngman44]

Thank you, Kareem. Love and appreciate you and Walton. I plan to see you both again. God bless.

[@timothycornell3032]

You were one of my hereos growing up. I used to sing to you when you played. one day I will get to sing to you!

[@peterricksugges5698]

Thank you Kareem. I’m sure Bill arrived in the great place and heard your words. Both of you guys were the best players but now better yet, humble and good human beings. ❤️. Always enjoy your words. I would have love to see you and Bill together in an interview. Bet you 2 had fun. Blessings to you.❤️😊😊😊

[@StephanJurasic4001]

Kareem and Bill were both men of great intelligence and learning, not commonly found in professional sports or really anywhere. Walton’s joie de vivre left everybody feeling better.

[@rickycole6327]

@@StephanJurasic4001 Kareem and Bill shared a unique bond in addition to playing at UCLA their unique bond I was referring to they were the two of the best players in the history of UCLA and college basketball.

[@trevorregay9283]

So nice to hear Mr. Abdul-Jabbar speaking so kindly of Mr. Walton and the bonds they shared. Thank you Mr. Abdul-Jabbar for this insight as to what kind of human Mr. Walton was and if only all of us could be similar in nature to him. I hope you are on the mend Mr. Abdul-Jabbar as from what I recall you had fallen and suffered a broken hip not long ago so my prayers and thoughts are with you to make a complete and healthy recovery. God Bless.

[@dean2663]

You’re looking at the real Goat right there. 6 championships at a pro. 3 in college. Unstoppable hook shot.

[@spencerstauffer6496]

He always has good things to say about everyone. Also, he's humble, which is rare nowadays.

[@blucheer8743]

Go Bruins!! Thx for the memories Kareem you were the best!

[@Stantonthestandardstanding]

Much love for you, Kareem, you are an inspiration to me, even to this very day.

[@oatmeal5671]

Kareem I remember you in Boston on Newberry St. It was in 87 you shook my hand no one else while you sat reading your book. Bill was great I really enjoyed both of you. RIP Bill you will be missed.

[@OldSchoolPatrick]

Thank you, Kareem. You're a class act and a legend! RIP, Bill W!

[@TCO1216]

A truly Amazing human being talking about another Amazing human Being

[@jeffsilverman6104]

Kareem. Always classy, always dignified, always the GOAT. R.I.P. Bill, one of the best to ever step onto any court.

[@rickycole6327]

@@jeffsilverman6104 The top two college basketball players of all time.

[@roger_is_red]

very well said LOVE YOU !!! and I am really sad about Bill he was a incrediable human being it boggles the mind with all that he accomplished

[@mariogallego5513]

I'll remember Bill Walton calling games for my UofA Wildcats, and the man was so enthusiastic and engaging. Loved listening to him. "Throw it doooown big man". RIP Bill.

[@a-bovea-ve-rage]

To have a friend the remembers even the minor events that ya'll exp together is a divine gift.ive never even had a friend..

[@Mr.Benson]

Walton was a great offensive weapon but what always impressed me was his ability to rebound and shot a fast and accurate outlet pass...he was a QB on the court. Thank you for sharing Mr. Abdul-Jabbar

[@iranonkin1602]

Sorry for your loss. Touching tribute here.

[@rolanddeschain965]

Longtime celtics fan, we hated you in the moment but I believe we all respected and grew to love you. Kind words sir, bless you.

[@richkunkiewicz9070]

Bill was larger than life!