Big Bill Walton
The NBA Lost a Hall-Of-Fame Center And We Lost a Hall-Of-Fame Human
Sports are never just about sports. That’s because they involve people, and people have the capacity to think, act, compete, live, dream, and much more. That’s what NBA Hall of Fame player and Hall of Fame person Bill Walton taught us. Bill passed away Monday from cancer, leaving a hole in our hearts today for the big man with a bigger heart.
Bill was a hall-of-fame center for UCLA, the Portland Trail Blazers, and the Boston Celtics, winning championships at every stop, including an astounding 88-game winning streak in college – nearly three straight years undefeated – that still stands today. Bill was more than a legend on the court, he also was a legend off it, too. Bill’s outspoken views on race relations, the Vietnam War, players’ health, and life were sometimes controversial, but it also was his trademark. His energy was contagious during the games he played and broadcasted later as an announcer, and he was deeply beloved by most of his contemporaries and players who came after.
Bill was outspoken about his faults, too. Later in his life, he apologized for the pain he suffered for most of his career, which sidelined him considerably during his pro-playing days. Bill was a champion for mental health before it became commonplace, and he often credited his “church” for helping him stay grounded. His church was “Grateful Dead” concerts, and he said he attended more than 1,000 shows (sharing a love for jam bands with Garrett). We were fortunate enough to photograph Bill at a conference not too long ago, where he signed every autograph, took every picture, and thanked conference attendees for listening to him. Not only was he great, but he was also gracious as a speaker – doubly impressive considering he was a lifelong stutterer. Bill played more than basketball; he played life: “I can think. I can sleep. I can move. I can ride my bike. I can dream.”
Bill was more than an athlete, and we’re grateful for everything he was.
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