Obit: Basketball player Bill Walton (1952- 2024)

Subject: Obit: Bill Walton 1952- 2024
From: gillymor
Date: 28 May 24 - 09:21 AM

He was great basketball player at the collegiate and pro levels whose career was shortened by injuries. If he'd remained healthy he would most likely be in the GOAT conversation. He overcame a severe stutter and went on to successful career as a TV color man and analyst for college and pro basketball where he was known as a lovable goof ball.
He was both mine and my younger brother's favorite baller and, being big men, we modeled our games after his brand of team-oriented play. Bill was also a committed leftist and probably the world's most prominent Deadhead, which further endeared him to us.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Walton 1952- 2024
From: gillymor
Date: 28 May 24 - 12:20 PM

Thanks for relocating this.

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I think it's most appropriate to start obituary threads in the music section. If they're non-music, we move them to the right place with a simple click of a mouse. So, not to worry.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Obit: Bill Walton 1952- 2024
From: gillymor
Date: 28 May 24 - 12:31 PM

Btw for anyone interested ESPN has been rerunning a 2 part "30 for 30" on Bill's life subtitled "The Luckiest Man Alive". He was quite a character and his story was inspiring.

Subject: RE: Obit: Basketball player Bill Walton (1952- 2024)
From: Neil D
Date: 29 May 24 - 11:03 AM

I always liked Big Red. Even when he joined the Celtics late in his career, I didn't hate him for it as I would most ballers.
I liked him because he was a hippy athlete, a rarity. Of course his long hair didn't last long in the NBA. Not that there was any rule against it, But when he would try to post up, wily veteran bigs would get up tight against his back so the refs couldn't see them grab a hold of his ponytail. He could barely move.

Subject: RE: Obit: Basketball player Bill Walton (1952- 2024)
From: gillymor
Date: 29 May 24 - 03:33 PM

N.Y. Times obituary