The loss of Bill Walton, a revered figure in the basketball community, was the somber topic of conversation on “Inside the NBA” Tuesday night. The show aired following Walton’s death on Monday, deeply affecting fans and basketball figures alike as the Mavericks prepared to face the Timberwolves in Game 4.
During the tribute on the pregame show, NBA greats such as Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal, along with Reggie Miller, honored the memory of the late basketball legend and broadcaster Walton.
Walton, who was 71, succumbed to his long battle with cancer.
Barkley recalled the impact Walton had, saying, “When I got that news yesterday it hurt. You talk about someone who was great at basketball, great in life, great as a broadcaster, but above all, a good person. You would be hard-pressed to find a more joyful person to be around. The world has indeed lost some of its brightness with his passing.”
Barkley added, “The world was better for having Bill Walton in it, and his passing makes it a lesser place. We didn’t just lose a great basketball figure; we lost a great man.”
On Twitter, a clip of Charles Barkley’s heartfelt words was shared, reflecting the sentiment felt across the NBA:
Walton first left his mark at UCLA, leading the Bruins to impressive victories, including 73 consecutive wins and multiple championships in the 1970s. He then built an illustrious NBA career marked by championship wins with Boston and Portland.
After retiring as a player, Walton turned to broadcasting, notable for calling Pac-12 games on ESPN in recent years.
O’Neal remembered Walton, stating, “We definitely lost one of the forefathers of The Big Man Alliance.”
He shared a poignant memory, “I saw Bill last year at the Final Four. We hugged. He told me he just wanted to make me better, and I’m grateful for how he contributed to my growth.”
O’Neal also touched on the criticism he received from Walton over the years, recognizing it as a rite of passage for the great big men of basketball.
FAQ
How did the basketball community react to Bill Walton’s passing?
NBA figures like Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal expressed deep sorrow and paid tribute to Bill Walton for both his on-court talent and his positive impact as a person. His death was seen as a significant loss to both the sport and those who knew him.
What was Bill Walton known for?
Walton was known for his success in college basketball with UCLA, his NBA championships with Boston and Portland, and his subsequent career as a basketball broadcaster.
What did Shaquille O’Neal say about Bill Walton?
Shaquille O’Neal remembered Walton fondly, acknowledging the constructive criticism he provided over the years and thanking Walton for helping shape the “Big Man Alliance” within basketball.