By Mark Halpern
On Monday the NBA lost one of its most revered stars yesterday when Bill Walton passed away at the age of 71 years old. He was one of the most electric announcers in the game and did some of his best work.
Walton played for UCLA and won 3 consecutive college player of the year awards (72-74) and also led UCLA to two National Championships and don’t forget between 1972-74 he helped lead the Bruins to an 88-game win streak. There was no surprise that he was the first pick by the Portland Trailblazers in 1974. In 1977 he helped lead the Trailblazers to their first championship and Walton won MVP where he averaged 18.5 points per game, 19.- rebounds per game and 5.2 assists per game. He also won MVP in 1978 for the Trailblazers but he started to be hampered by multiple foot problems and was never really the same.
Due to his multiple foot injuries, he missed the 78-79 season and when he made his comeback, he played 4 years with the Clippers but was limited due to his foot injury. After his stint with the Clippers, he signed a two-year deal to play with the Celtics and back up to Robert Parish and in his final season he earned the sixth man award and won his second and final NBA Championship.
Walton wanted to stay around Basketball and overcame a stuttering problem to become one of the best announcers around. His knowledge about the sport and players was uncanny at times. He could be serious but he was always smiling and cracking jokes to make his broadcasts enjoyable. I will forever miss his personality, his expertise and the way he made the game fun. Rest In Peace Bill there will never be another player/announcer like you.
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