Walton seized the NBA Finals MVP award in 1977 when he led the Blazers to their first and currently only championship. He averaged 19 points and 18.5 rebounds in the six-game series against the Philadelphia 76ers. His jovial nature and constant shenanigans as a commentator can make it all too easy to forget just how imposing this magnificent player was in his prime.
It is fitting that Bill Walton is commemorated in Boston, considering the pivotal role he served on one of the greatest teams in NBA history. The Celtics justly showed him the respect and appreciation he deserved before the action officially commenced.
The two-time All-Star helped the C’s recapture their mojo in the 1985-86 championship season after they fell short to the Los Angeles Lakers the previous campaign. Walton won Sixth Man of the Year honors, proving to be a valuable piece on what many fans call their favorite Celtics squad.His loyalty to the franchise that gave him one final opportunity to bask in the limelight and win a ring persisted until he passed away at the age of 71. Walton will forever remain immortalized in Celtics and basketball history, but it is also nice to see his memory taking center stage in Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals.
The tribute video that Boston unveiled on Thursday night featured some of Walton’s greatest moments and included sound bites of the gentle giant calling himself the “luckiest guy in the world” for being given a chance by Celtics team president Red Auerbach all those years ago.
Bill Walton tried to boost Boston above detested foe LA in 1987, but injuries left him with little left to give. He played his final NBA game with the iconic franchise. After a touching celebration of this larger-than-life individual, the Celtics hope to finish their tribute with a win against the Mavericks.
