Bill Walton dies at 71: 'Truly one of a kind' Basketball Hall of Famer succumbs to cancer

Walton's first season in Boston was magical, as he missed just two games, won Sixth Man of the Year and helped the Celtics win the title. His presence is why the 1986 Celtics are still regarded as one of the best teams of all time.

Such beautiful natural teeth!

Aw, man. He was such a a likable nut.

How large was his penis?

A shocker. Next to the then-Lew Alcindor, the most dominant center in US college basketball.

If not for an injury-curtailed pro career, he would have been on the Mt. Rushmore of NBA centers.

A very good guy, although pretty much a kook.

During one of his injury-shortened years, he was admitted to Stanford's law school, finishing year one before returning to the NBA. He was a longtime liberal.

A Deadhead from way back when.

A good man. May he Rest In Peace

[quote] How large was his penis?

By reputation, enormous.

As has been said, but for his serious feet injuries he would be one of the top 5 basketball players of all time. His performance in college championship game against Memphis State was the most dominant basketball performance I ever saw, college or pro. Yep, I'm old. I was at UCLA with him, took a course in the History of American Racism with him and sat down in the streets of Westwood with him protesting that war. Infinite number of times I saw him standing head and shoulders about the other Deadheads. And I was always amused by his stream of consciousness commentary.

A one-of-a-kind.

Let it be known there is a fountain

That was not made by the hands of men

There is a road, no simple highway

Between the dawn and the dark of night

And if you go, no one may follow

That path is for your steps alone

He never lived down his defeat in the 1974 semifinals to Tommy Burleson & NC State. All that stood in the way of a three-peat national championship.

R13 Are you high? (If so, Bill would approve..)

We twice won NBA champion (1977, 1986), and twice won the NCAA championship (1972, 1973), was NBA Finals MVP (1977), NBA Most Valuable Player (1978), Twice NBA All-Star (1977, 1978), Three times National college player of the year (1972–1974) - his game against Memphis State in the 1973 championship was the greatest, most dominant by a college player ever - 44 points, 21/22 shooting, 20 rebounds. three time consensus first-team All-American (1972–1974)

But he'll be remembered for his 1974 loss to NC State. Right. Sure.

I’m serious, R14. Decades later, he would still speak of how much that ‘74 loss stung.

Kareem, whom - with his past health issues - I thought we would lose before Bill, pays tribute to his friend.

Befitting his status, his death warranted front page coverage in today’s Times’s print edition.

This Mike Breen story about Bill Walton (and Breen's father) is really great. Long, but absolutely worth the listen (4:10).

Thanks for sharing, R18. What a lovely story.

A more light-hearted story from Rich Eisen (about shooting a Katy Perry video with Bill). Also very long...but with a great pay-off at the end. What an incredible treasure Rich Eisen has!

Ah, another great story. Thanks, R20.

R12 your anti-war protests were several years late….

Walton had arches like a woman in high heels. He would fracture the bones of his feet running up and down the court.

He was a great Deadhead. When Kevin McHale (Frankenstein's ballplayer) had foot problems Walton convinced him that if he went to see the Dead and put his feet up to the speakers he would be healed. He wasn't but it was a good try.

Best sixth man I've ever seen. Walton was great.

Thanks r20, I enjoyed that story and tribute!

Verificatia of sizemeat?

R12 Was Sam Gilbert your hook-up too? 😂

Are there no hoop fans at CBS?!

^ Oops. Bill's merely listed as "Sportscaster, NBA player."

Fire on the Mountain indeed...

A white guy played basketball? Quit lying to us

Are Doncic & Jokic not white?

R31 Exactly.