Even though the late Bill Walton played for three NBA teams throughout his career, he will undoubtedly be remembered for playing the last few years of his NBA career with the Boston Celtics.
Several former Celtic players including Paul Pierce paid tribute to Walton on Tuesday’s Undisputed saying “He will always be a part of the Celtic family.”
.@PaulPierce34 remembers 2x NCAA Champion, NBA Champion & Hall of Famer Bill Walton:
"He will always be a part of the Celtic family." pic.twitter.com/f25yMwNZAB
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) May 28, 2024
Although Walton only played for Boston for two years, he will be remembered as helping to lead the 85-86 Celtics to an NBA championship.
The Celtics released a statement on Walton’s death.
Bill Walton was one of the most consequential players of his era. A Hall of Famer, Most Valuable Player, and two-time NBA Champion, Walton could do it all, possessing great timing, complete vision of the floor, excellent fundamentals, and was of one of the greatest passing big… pic.twitter.com/AW1PIUxALk
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 27, 2024
“Bill Walton was one of the most consequential players of his era. A Hall of Famer, Most Valuable Player, and two-time NBA Champion, Walton could do it all, possessing great timing, complete vision of the floor, excellent fundamentals, and was of one of the greatest passing big men in league history. He derived great joy from basketball and music, and deeply cherished his moments with teammates and friends. As a Celtic, Bill overcame years of debilitating injuries, regained his zest for the game, and helped guide the 1986 Boston Celtics championship with both his play and his spirit. The Boston Celtics celebrate Bill’s wonderful life and legacy, and send their deepest sympathies to the Walton family.”
The Portland Trailblazers and Los Angeles Clippers also paid tribute to Walton.
Trail Blazers Statement on passing of two-time NBA Champion and Hall of Famer, Bill Walton.
📝: https://t.co/nbKqN4cIgN pic.twitter.com/SbHkFD1vH4
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) May 27, 2024
We have lost one of the greatest players and personalities that this franchise, this sport and this region have ever known. Bill Walton is synonymous with Southern California basketball: a San Diego native, a UCLA phenom, a Clipper icon.
He defined the game as a player, a… pic.twitter.com/KAXvnG8Mkk
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) May 27, 2024
{Undisputed, Boston Celtics, Portland Trailblazers, LA Clippers}
About Stacey Mickles
Stacey is a 1995 graduate of the University of Alabama who has previously worked for other publications such as Sportskeeda and Saturday Down South.