BOSTON (AP) — Bill Walton, a former player for the Boston Celtics, was honored by the franchise before Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Walton, who was a key member of the Celtics' 1986 championship team, passed away on May 27 at the age of 71.
During the pregame ceremony, Walton's family was in attendance as a moment of silence was observed in his memory. The public address announcer praised Walton for his unselfish team play and his love for basketball and music. Both the Celtics and Mavericks players showed their respect by applauding the tribute.
Walton had an illustrious basketball career, starting with his time at UCLA where he was a three-time national player of the year and led the Bruins to back-to-back NCAA championships in 1972 and 1973. In the NBA, he was a key player for the Portland Trail Blazers, helping them win the NBA title in 1977.
After a stint with the Clippers, Walton joined the Celtics in 1986. His contributions were instrumental in the Celtics' victory over the Houston Rockets in the NBA Finals, securing the franchise's 16th championship. However, his playing career was cut short due to foot injuries, leading to his retirement after just one full season with the Celtics.
Following his retirement from playing, Walton found success as a broadcaster and was known for his love of the band Grateful Dead. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest Celtics players of all time.
To honor Walton's memory, the Celtics wore special shooting shirts and jerseys with his name and a tie-dye design. The team staff also wore pins featuring a similar design, paying tribute to Walton's unique personality and interests.
Walton's impact on the Celtics and the basketball world as a whole was truly remarkable, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players and fans alike.
___
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA
