(November 5, 1952 – May 27, 2024) The greatest Trail Blazer ever had an outsize personality that brought “Rip City” to life and engaged fans for 40 years after his playing career had ended.
Bill Walton led UCLA to two NCAA titles before arriving in Memorial Coliseum to join an average Portland Trail Blazer team in 1974. He been named National Player of the Year three times and was key in the Bruins 88-game win streak.
Walton emerged as one of the greatest basketball players in Portland Trail Blazer and NBA history, all while fighting injuries that stretched back to his high school days in San Diego County. His first two years with the Blazers were ho-hum. It all came together in the magical 1977 season with Jack Ramsay calling the shots and tough guy Maurice Lucas alongside, Walton led the Blazers to the NBA Championship in with dramatic performances in the title series. In the championship game he had 20 points, 7 assists, 23 rebounds and a record 8 blocked shots in the 109-107 victory over Philadelphia 76ers.
Walton was selected as an NBA All-Star in 1977 and again in 1978. He was named MVP in the 1978 regular NBA season after leading the Blazers to a 50-10 start. New injuries led to conflict with the front office over his treatment and Walton said ‘goodbye’ to the Rose City.
His playing career continued with six so-so seasons with the Clippers. Then, after some extensive surgery and rehab, Bill found his second wind with the Boston Celtics as a reserve. In 1986, he enjoyed a second championship run and won NBA Sixth-Man of the Year honors.
Walton overcame a speech impediment, shyness and aftereffects of injuries to become a
beloved and entertaining broadcaster, first paired with Steve Jones on NBC and later calling college games on ESPN and the Pac-12 Network.
One of the most memorable moments in the history of the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame Museum is Walton’s visit to the previous Western Avenue location. His walkthrough and running commentary is classic Bill.
He remained an evangelist for the Pac-12 conference, the state of Oregon, cycling and UCLA and Trail Blazers basketball. Bill Walton is missed by many. He is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame and the College Basketball Hall of Fame. His #32 has been retired by the Trail Blazers and UCLA.