When discussing the greatest NBA big men, Bill Walton often comes with an asterisk. While everyone recognizes his exceptional talent, his delicate physique—especially his feet—prevented him from maintaining consistent play. Out of a potential 1,148 games, Walton participated in only 468, missing nearly 60% of contests.
However, whenever he was healthy, Walton was a truly remarkable player. He wasn’t known for prolific scoring, with his highest average being 18.9 points per game, but he was a strong rebounder, averaging 10.5 rebounds over his career, and an impressive passer. What truly set Walton apart was his deep understanding that team success mattered most, combined with a relentless drive to win. This dedication shone brightest in his third season with the Portland Trail Blazers, when he helped secure the 1977 NBA championship.
As shown in the accompanying video, Walton dominated with his speed, agility, and shot-blocking ability. One highlight features a smooth spin move followed by a banked shot from afar. Yet, the most striking part of his game was his skill in rebounding and immediately launching an outlet pass. Alongside legends like Bill Russell, Wes Unseld, and Kevin Love, Walton was a master of the quick and confident outlet pass.
It’s worth noting that aside from Maurice Lucas, the other starters—Dave Twardzik, Lionel Hollins, and Bob Gross—are relatively unknown today. With Walton leading the way, however, this talented but lesser-known group blended into an outstanding team. Although Philadelphia had star power, Portland’s cohesion proved superior.
That 1977 Blazers squad was exceptional, with Walton as its heartbeat. Watching his performance reminds us why he deserves to be counted among the greatest centers ever. No other center combined skills quite like Walton, and his dominance during the 1977 playoffs is a perfect example of his greatness.
Fan Take: Bill Walton’s story is a powerful reminder that skill and team-first mindset can outshine pure talent alone. For basketball fans, appreciating Walton’s legacy sparks a deeper understanding of how basketball greatness extends beyond just stats, influencing how the sport values versatility and unselfish play.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
