No doubt. Though he's not a dominant athlete, he gets it done in the open court with superior ballhandling and passing skills. Dude is very deceptive, knows how to set up a shot, and can finish a bit as well. It's no small thing for Portland's fast break that they are adding a dominant force on the boards. As others have alluded, guards/wings should be able to leak out more when a shot goes up getting players in position to advance the ball and finish. Remind me who was the dominant athlete leading Portland's famous fastbreak in 76-77? STOMP
I do pretty vividly... as much as anything that was what they were known for. The Pinball was a crafty finisher and could set guys up while The Train was a slightly undersized 2 with a deadly high release jumper, but neither was a "great" athlete. With his dominant rebounding and amazing outlets, Walton was the guy that made it happen. Almost every game he'd pull off a defensive rebound coupled with an outlet pass at least to half court before he'd land from his initial jump... you see that maybe a couple times a year from the whole league now. The fast break starts with your Bigs controlling he boards. STOMP
One of the guards got hurt and a lighting quickfast Johnnie Davis a rookie, stepped up and really made it go. Jack Ramsey said during the run that it was really a great feat to be such a young team to accomplish so much. Youth can get the job done guys and gals. Look for a good run this year by the team. I've seen it happen! g
The 77 Blazers were a great fast breaking team. I think they were the best fast break team in the NBA at that time. They were like a machine on the fast break. Bill Walton had one of the best outlet pass in the history of the NBA. I have watch the NBA since the late 60's and he was the best I have seen.
It's funny when talent evaluators talk about Kevin Love's outlet pass--they say it's the best one they've seen since the Big Redhead was in the league.
