Bill Walton’s journey through basketball and beyond was one marked by passion, curiosity, and a relentless pursuit of justice. A towering figure both on and off the court, Walton’s influence extended far beyond his NBA career, touching lives through his advocacy, storytelling, and deep appreciation for history and culture.
A Life of Learning and Meeting Legends
Reflecting on the many people he encountered in his life, Walton said, “It’s an endless list, Scoop. And I want to add Steve James to that because of the movies that he’s made… I’m much more of a reader than a movie guy and because of the Steve James project, I’ve gotten more into movies and I enjoy them immensely.” Walton was a voracious reader, consuming non-fiction, historical accounts, and biographies to better understand the world around him.
His reflections on life often connected to broader struggles for justice. Speaking on the documentary Abacus: Small Enough to Jail, he noted, “It was the story of Steve James standing up for somebody and a group of people who just got the ‘shaft,’ and that’s kind of the way that I lived my life.” Walton’s admiration for those who fought for justice was evident in his reflections on historical figures: “In my lifetime, the people who stood up like Steve James… JFK, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Robert ‘Bobby’ Kennedy… these were my heroes growing up, and they’re dead. John Lennon gets killed, and why? They were killed because they stood up for the little guy.”
The Influence of Bill Russell and Basketball Brotherhood
Basketball was the heartbeat of Walton’s life, and he never shied away from expressing his admiration for the game’s legends. “Bill Russell was my favorite player,” he said. Walton’s deep respect for the game’s greats extended to his own experiences, including his time with the Boston Celtics: “Number #5 was my number on the Celtics because Kevin McHale had already taken number #32… I should’ve played him for it the VERY first day that I got there.”
He also spoke fondly of his first coach, Lenny Wilkens, whom he believed was unfairly treated in Portland. “Lenny Wilkens got the ‘shaft,’ and if you don’t believe that, read his book; Unguarded… Lenny is as classy and dignified and as fine a professional as they come.” Walton lamented how injuries cut short his playing days and impacted the careers of those around him: “It’s a LONG list of coaches that have been fired because my feet wouldn’t perform.”
The Essence of Teamwork
Walton’s philosophy revolved around the essence of team play, something he saw epitomized in the 1990s Chicago Bulls and today’s Denver Nuggets. “The team game, the passing, the selflessness… it’s ALWAYS what leads to ultimate group dynamic success,” he said. He praised Nikola Jokić’s approach to the game, saying, “It’s so fun to watch him play because he’s the leader of the band. He does it so MANY different ways… his position rebounding, his help, the way he provides to make his teammates the star of the game.”
His love for team basketball made him disheartened by the feud between Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan. “I’m shocked and dismayed and those words are NOT strong enough to relate my feelings as the way that Scottie Pippen treats Michael Jordan. That’s just not right.” Having covered the Bulls dynasty as a broadcaster, he understood the significance of their teamwork and admired Jordan’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
Gratitude and Love
Despite the injuries that cut his career short, Walton refused to dwell on the past. “I try not to and I don’t want to. I want to look ahead. I want to see what love can do in the world, trying to live a life of peace and love and share that with other people.”
Above all, Walton’s greatest source of happiness was his family. “I’m 70 years old and I’m married to the woman of my dreams who I met 33 years ago, and Lori is the GREATEST EVERYTHING ever… We have six children and 14 grandchildren.” He was grateful for the support he received throughout his life, especially from friends who helped him during his darkest times, such as his debilitating back issues in 2008.
The Luckiest Guy in the World
Bill Walton often described himself as “the luckiest guy in the world,” despite facing adversity throughout his career. “I’m alive and there have been some times in my life that it wasn’t in my future,” he reflected. His ability to remain optimistic, celebrate life, and cherish the relationships he built along the way defined his legacy as much as his contributions to basketball. His love for the game, his commitment to justice, and his unwavering gratitude left an indelible mark on those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Watch the full interview that Walton had with Scoop B by clicking here.
