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From Blazer to broadcaster, Bill Walton is still as likable as ever

By Joe Chambers

PORTLAND, OR - JANUARY 25: Former NBA player, Bill Walton attends the Los Angeles Lakers against the Portland Trail Blazers for the Portland 40th Anniversary on January 25, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - JANUARY 25: Former NBA player, Bill Walton attends the Los Angeles Lakers against the Portland Trail Blazers for the Portland 40th Anniversary on January 25, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Looking back at Bill Walton and his journey from a Blazer to broadcaster, and all the weirdness that surrounds him.

Bill Walton was one of the greatest players to ever wear a Portland jersey. He was tremendous for the Blazers in the 1970s and was key in getting Portland a title.

If you look back at his stats, from basketball-reference.com, he averaged 12-18 points per game throughout his four years in Portland.

Another area Walton dominated was rebounding. He averaged 12-14 rebounds per game in his four seasons.

Overall, he was a player that took care of the ball and was a team player. Personally, I really enjoy his game, and it’s easy to wish his career was not cut short because of injury.

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Bill Walton the Bruin

Walton’s journey to greatness began at UCLA. He became a tremendous leader on the court and helped lead them to two titles.

Off the court, he learned under one of the greatest coaches to ever be part of the game: John Wooden.

Coach Wooden coached players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and was used to title chases, so Walton being so coachable helped the two be successful together.

Lots of players nowadays are hard to coach and have a hard time taking criticism. More players should embody Walton: taking criticism to learn the game and help his team get better.

Bill Walton the broadcaster

Bill is a unique guy. He’s one of my favorite commentators because he just does not care what people think of him.

He’s done work with the PAC-12, as well as ESPN. He even joined the ESPN broadcast as a guest last season when the Blazers honored the 40th anniversary of their 1977 team.

Many people have a hard time understanding exactly how he functions because he does things much more differently than most people do.

Next: Caleb Swanigan shows flashes of a former Blazer

But nothing’s wrong with the way he acts; he shows a love for life that is really unseen from people.

He can also analyze the game tremendously, probably from his Portland days and influence from Coach Wooden.

Let’s be thankful he was around to be an integral part of the 1977 championship team, as Portland hasn’t seen a championship since.