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!

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@nanook8721]

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

[@theomegaman218]

Kareem ??? A lovely man ??🤔

[@bzab334]

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

[@BrianMolstad]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 🌺

[@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.

[@rickycole6327]

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

[@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.

[@michaelcroteau5919]

This one hurts. Well said, champ.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@patrick815]

Be the light, shine the light ✨️

[@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!

[@jorgerocha1184]

RIP big red I remember watching you play 👍

[@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.

[@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

[@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!!

[@michaelluna1968]

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

[@michelleeditor]

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

[@lorrainefranchi9105]

Walt Whitman

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@ClueSign]

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

[@timothy4664]

Im sorry for your loss Kareem.

[@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.

[@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.

[@charlesbromberick4247]

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

[@TommyBackwater41]

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

[@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.

[@demtriusupshaw2056]

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

[@JD-zd8tm]

Walton blocked Kareem's Sky hook

[@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.

[@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!

[@prof3ssor178]

This is beautiful right here!

[@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.

[@barrywiegert9743]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@hllok]

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

[@joshuaolayanju9658]

Sorry for your loss.

[@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. 🙏🙏🙏

[@paulkaufmann8130]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!🌍🌛🌕🙏

[@markcatanzaro9699]

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

[@MsNerdsRevenge]

Thank you Kareem. Coach Wooden was amazing.

[@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.❤️😊😊😊

[@dnyce8224]

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

[@ChristianHegele]

Videos like this is why Kareem is universally loved and respected. Class act in every way. Thanks for this touching tribute to a truly great player.

[@zachmartin1458]

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

[@jim2431]

God bless you Kareem ❤

[@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!

[@darrellkinkade9205]

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

[@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.

[@gregnicholson1447]

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

[@noahmyavon]

Kareem is the greatest. The embofiement of livevsnd enlightenmdny

[@OldSchoolPatrick]

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

[@stevenyates4535]

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

[@leftyspade]

Power Memorial grad and one of their best player. Sadly, Power is gone, but you're still front and center. Thank you, Kareem, you're a class act!

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@newerafrican]

Celtics fan here, which means that I must - and do - admire Kareem, Magic and the Lakers. This tribute is one of the reasons why. Kareem, I wish you good health, happiness and peace.

[@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)!!!!

[@JohnSimpson-o8d]

I am a lifelong Boston Celtics fan, but more than that I am a fan of the sport. KAJ has always been a class act and a tremendously talented player. Others underestimate him at their own peril. Lovely eulogy for Bill Walton. Thanks, Kareem!

[@averyce2]

Thanks GOAT for sharing your gems on B. Walton

[@Stantonthestandardstanding]

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

[@edwardsinger4043]

The true pyramid of the pinnacle of ucla greatness, Wooden, Walton and You!! We are all blessed by all of the love you all three had for the game and for each other.❤❤❤.

[@rickycole6327]

They have a connection in their place in college basketball history they knew they were the best two players of all time.

[@edwardsinger4043]

@@rickycole6327 and they had the greatest coach!

[@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.

[@blucheer8743]

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

[@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.

[@bobbresnahan8397]

2 of my favorite ballers, people who cared about society. I really loved to watch both Bill and Ksreem (my GOAT).

[@youngman44]

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

[@sojournern]

Kareem, thanks for the kind words and thanks for being an example of the kind of man we should all emulate.

[@FranssensM]

Mr Abdul-Jabbar, thank you sir, for everything you’ve done. He is extremely intelligent physically gifted and worked hard to become the best player of his time. Massively underrated by today’s fans.

[@jdp0359]

Love your kind words Kareem. I just became aware of basketball in that time period when Kareem had just left UCLA and Bill Walton essential replaced Kareem as the next great center for the Bruins and the great coach John Wooden in the early 70's.

[@christopherharper9818]

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

[@peopleplacesandperspective5564]

❤️🙏🏽💕Heartfelt. I worked at the Portland Coliseum in 1977. It was exciting watching you all play basketball live and left me with some great memories too. Bill Walton and Kareem both so tall and cool, for sure!

[@steveharris434]

Thank you Bill and Kareem. You are both huge in my heart. A Rip City fan who watched you guys play in the Memorial Coliseum.

[@barbaraharley3149]

Thank you Kareem for your kind words Bill Walton was the best of the best as a man not just a Basketball player. Another Amazing man Like Bill Walton may not come this way again, what a life, what a legacy he such a profound impact on people lived he had. Bill Walton gave so much of himself. My Condolences goes out to his family. Bill Walton had good run and he finish the race what a life he led always giving back never selfish. Rip kind Sir.

[@whooley8782]

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

[@philippesauvie639]

Thanks for posting this Kareem. Kind words indeed. I saw you and Walton go up against each other in the western finals in 1977 in Memorial Coliseum in Portland. That was the best battle of two centers I have ever seen. That iconic play where Walton drove the lane late in the game And dunked over you and the crowd reaction afterward… The loudest I can ever remember a crowd getting at a sports event in my lifetime. Bill Walton that year was at his near best. That year was the most exciting of my life being a Blazer fan. Thank you for being part of that memory and rest in peace Bill Walton.