Tag: Bill Walton

Shaq feuded with fellow former Celtic Bill Walton because he doesn’t believe Walton’s on his level

Shaquille O’Neal, one of the greatest centers in basketball history, has had a long-standing beef with Bill Walton.

Shaquille O’Neal, one of the greatest centers in basketball history, has had a long-standing beef with Bill Walton, another legendary NBA center and fellow former Boston Celtic.

This rivalry is rooted in Shaq’s belief that Walton doesn’t deserve the same recognition as other iconic centers. Shaq’s critique primarily centers on Walton’s NBA career, which he deems less impressive than his own and other great centers. However, it’s essential to note Walton’s career was hampered by chronic foot issues that limited his playing time.

Shaq has consistently voiced his disapproval of Walton’s inclusion in the Hall of Fame and even questioned his presence on the NBA 75 list in 2022. This rivalry extends to the media, where the Big Aristotle and Walton have engaged in public spats.

To get the details about this bizarre public feud between two Boston icons, take a look at the clip embedded below to hear what the folks behind the “Secret Base” YouTube channel had to say in their own account of the feud.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Bill Walton ‘shocked’ by Scottie Pippen’s treatment of Michael Jordan

During a recent podcast appearance, Bill Walton spoke about Chicago Bulls’ Scottie Pippen’s treatment of Michael Jordan.

For years, the Chicago Bulls lived on top of the NBA world. Led by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and the likes of Dennis Rodman, they dominated the 1990s, winning six championships in eight years and going undefeated in the NBA Finals. Everything went Chicago’s way, and they reaped the rewards.

However, two years ago, a documentary was released called “The Last Dance,” which detailed Chicago’s run and, more specifically, their final season together. It ended up rubbing Pippen the wrong way, and ever since, his relationship with Jordan has gone downhill. Just this year, he’s made multiple disparaging remarks about his former teammate.

During a recent appearance on Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson’s podcast, NBA legend Bill Walton spoke about Pippen’s comments. He said that he’s “shocked” by the way he has treated Jordan, making his disappointment clear.

“I’m shocked and dismayed,” Walton said. “Those words are not strong enough to relate my feelings as the way that Scottie Pippen treats Michael Jordan. That’s just not right.”

Pippen has been on a rampage, slewing Jordan every chance he’s gotten. One of the most notable comments he made was calling Jordan a “horrible player,” stating that the potential GOAT wasn’t a winner until he and the rest of the team formed around him.

Jordan and Pippen are widely regarded as one of the best duos in all of sports history, so to see the two be at odds must be rough for Bulls fans who spent so long idolizing them as a duo.

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Steve James on new ESPN documentary about Celtics champ Bill Walton

The new 30-for-30 doc traces the story of the Boston Hall of Famer from high school to the present day.

If you need some Boston Celtics basketball in your life but can’t wait until the 2023-24 campaign starts, director Steve James might be the man to turn to to help scratch that itch.

The award-winning director and producer has directed several notable documentaries, including the famous “Hoop Dreams.” His latest project is a four-part series called “The Luckiest Guy in the World” about former Celtic Bill Walton. The series premiered on June 6 as part of ESPN’s “30 for 30” sports documentary series. It is available on ESPN+.

In a recent interview with the eponymous hosts of the CBS Sports “Maggie and Perlman” show, James discussed the importance of young sports fans knowing about Walton’s career and his achievements in high school, college and the NBA.

Check out the clip embedded above to get a better idea of what “The Luckiest Guy in the World” is about.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Bill Walton thinks 1986 Boston Celtics title teammate Danny Ainge should be in the Hall of Fame

“It was super fun to be with him on that Celtics squad,” related Walton.

Should champion Boston Celtics guard and former Celtics team president Danny Ainge be in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame? If you ask his teammate from the 1986 Celtics title team, Bill Walton (himself a Hall of Famer), the answer is an unequivocal yes.

“I got to know Danny over some of his life,” shared Walton in a recent interview with Bally Sports’ Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson. “He’s quite a bit younger than I am. And then I got to rebound for him on the Boston Celtics; (there) wasn’t a lot of rebounds to be had there.

“I also got to guard his man and … got to inbound the ball to him as well.”

“It was super fun to be with him on that Celtics squad,” related Walton, reminiscing about what is widely regarded as one of the greatest teams ever assembled.

“He was a critical component and I’m shocked and dismayed that Danny Ainge is not in the Basketball Hall of Fame.”

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Boston great Bill Walton on the 2023 NBA Finals

While he would likely prefer to see the Celtics in the finals, Walton also has plenty to say about the Denver Nuggets taking on the Miami Heat

Hall of Fame Boston Celtics big man Bill Walton knows ball like few do after having won NCAA titles at UCLA and NBA titles with the Celtics and the Portland Trail Blazers.

While the former Boston big would undoubtedly prefer to see his former team in the 2023 NBA Finals, Walton also has plenty to say about the Denver Nuggets taking on the Miami Heat for the 2023 title.

The former Bruin made an appearance on the “Pat McAfee Show” to talk all things finals, touching on his favorite players on both teams, what he expects to see, and what advantages each club has going for it among many other topics (as Bill is wont to do).

To see his wide-ranging interview for yourself, take a look at the video embedded below to catch all of Walton’s glory for yourself.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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On this day: Bill Walton inducted into Hall of Fame; Adams passes; Boston advances in several series

On this day in Celtics history, former president Charles H. Adams passed, and Bill Walton was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame.

On this day in Boston Celtics history, William Theodore Walton III (better known as Bill) was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.

An NCAA champion under iconic head coach John Wooden at UCLA, the California native was selected with the first pick of the 1974 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, for whom he played for four seasons and won an NBA title in 1977. He also played for the Clippers in both their San Diego and Los Angeles incarnations before being dealt to the Celtics in 1985.

The La Mesa native, who is one of the NBA’s 75 greatest players, won a second title with Boston in 1986 before constant pain from injuries forced his retirement in 1987.

Bob Ryan on the 1986 Sixth Man of the Year, Boston Celtics great Bill Walton

The UCLA alum’s soft hands, basketball IQ, motor, perseverance, and passion for the game made him a legendary figure.

In this special episode, iconic Boston beat writer emeritus Bob Ryan delves deep into the inspiring story of Hall of Fame Boston Celtics big man Bill Walton, the winner of the 1986 NBA Sixth Man of the Year after back-to-back wins by teammate and fellow Celtics frontcourt player Kevin McHale.

The UCLA alumnus’ soft hands, basketball IQ, motor, perseverance and passion for the game made him a legendary figure in the league of that era. As a key component of the Celtics’ frontcourt rotation during their dominant reign in the 1980s, Walton’s contributions to the club were instrumental in the team’s success that season.

Sit back and immerse yourself in the captivating tale of Bill Walton’s incredible 1986 NBA season with the Celtics, as told by renowned sports journalist Bob Ryan for CLNS Media.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Bronny James will put USC basketball on national TV a lot more often

One of many ways in which Bronny James has quickly changed #USC hoops: many more national games. Hello, Bill Walton!

Bronny James, by committing to USC basketball on Saturday, has instantly changed reality for the Trojans and coach Andy Enfield on many different levels. Recruiting, the transfer portal, ticket sales, the composition of the 2023-2024 roster, Enfield’s career, the expectations for the coming season — you name it, Bronny has changed the landscape.

One of the many important ways in which Bronny James has instantly transformed USC basketball: increased media coverage. The Trojans just became a college basketball team ESPN and Fox and CBS will all want to put on their airwaves this season. Bill Walton is likely to call a lot more USC games this coming winter.

In a typical season, USC’s games against UCLA and Arizona would get ESPN treatment. Now, the Trojans are going to get a lot more than that.

Notably, something has already happened within hours of Bronny’s decision. That’s our lead item in this exploration of USC as a media magnet basketball program, something which is entirely new for the Trojans:

Larry Bird praised Bill Walton’s passing on his trade to the Boston Celtics

Bird also reportedly patterned his passing on Walton’s.

Hall of Fame Boston Celtics forward Larry Bird made a name for himself as one of the better non-guard players in the NBA almost as soon as he got to the league. But it is less well known who the Hick From French Lick modeled his game after.

Per the Los Angeles Times’ Frederick Waterman, Bird shared Bill Walton was a player he patterned his passing game on.

“We just have to make sure we rest this guy, that we keep him from getting injured,” said Larry Legend on learning Walton was on his way to the Celtics via trade in 1986.

“If we keep him healthy we can win a championship a lot easier than we could without him,” Bird added. “He’s the best passer I’ve ever seen in my life.”

With the benefit of hindsight, we know Walton stayed mostly healthy, the Celtics won a title and Bird became the first person to win three consecutive Most Valuable Player awards.

Not a bad result for a player some worried might already have played the last high-level basketball of his career before he even arrived in Boston — or for his new teammates.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Ben Affleck showed off his spot-on Bill Walton impression, perfectly honoring his Boston roots

Ben Affleck NAILED this Bill Walton impression.

Actor Ben Affleck got a chance to share his stellar Bill Walton impression on the latter’s alternative NBA broadcast.

While appearing as a guest on Throw It Down with Bill Walton during Monday night’s Boston Celtics/Cleveland Cavaliers game, Affleck talked about growing up and watching Walton play his final years with the Celtics.

That stretch included the 1986 Boston title season.

With a young Affleck taking in Walton in his twilight years in the league, he developed a pretty on-point impression of Walton that he shared with the NBA legend.

Affleck didn’t seem to think it was all that good, but close your eyes and imagine Walton talking as the Oscar winner does his mimicry. It’s uncanny.

Like, that’s why Affleck makes the big bucks in Hollywood.

His well-established Boston roots likely helped him forge this impression, and he’ll have to toast himself with a fresh cup of joe from Dunkin’ for nailing Walton’s deep voice. The former Celtic seemed to get a kick out of it.