This is a really different interview with Bill, he's very restrained with Dave. Bill gave a nice shoutout to Paul Allen.
Bill gave my Dad a pair of his Adidas after a game. My brother wound up with those while I got a game-worn jersey of Bobby Gross from game 6, our Championship - winning game against Philly! Walton, Gross and Twardzik were incredible “team” oriented players. Perfect for Ramsay’s “motion offense” that was so effective. Walton’s ability to pass the ball, coupled with an amazing skill of rebounding and getting an outlet pass off before his feet hit the ground, are two traits not seen since. Sabonis was also a great passing center but Walton was the goat of a “passing center.” RIP
I also had the absolute pleasure a few times. Just a lovely human. I like most everyone am better off after meeting him
One of the things about him passing now is that he didn’t live long enough to see the Blazers compete for another title. Nobody on the planet would have enjoyed that more than Bill.
Bill Simmons podcast on Tuesday had very great stories of his meeting with Walton 15 years ago when writing a book. Walton had a great outlook on what made a player unselfish and excellent, their unique strengths, and how a coach was important to keep that humble perspective in the face of fame/materiality/money/praise/etc.
take that Kareem !! *note the ball fake that opened the driving lane. Walton had the complete package, highly skilled athlete
Life can be really weird at times. Bill Walton dunking Neil Goldschmidt with beer after the championship. Both dead within a week or so of each other.
