Rip City Project
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Portland Trail Blazers: 15 best draft picks of all-time

By John Buhler

BOSTON - 1970: Bill Walton #32 of the Portland Trailblazers makes a pass against the Boston Celtics during the NBA game at the Boston Garden in Boston, Masachussetts. 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. (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON - 1970: Bill Walton #32 of the Portland Trailblazers makes a pass against the Boston Celtics during the NBA game at the Boston Garden in Boston, Masachussetts. 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. (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Bill Walton, Portland Trail Blazers
1974- Close up of Bill Walton, basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers in his uniform. Undated color slide. /

Bill Walton is by far and away one of the most dynamic and fascinating players to have ever played on the hardwood. He’s arguably the second best player in the history of UCLA Bruins basketball behind only Lew Alcindor. Walton was an absolute franchise cornerstone coming out of Westwood with his flowing mane of red hair and his groovy approach to life in general. Portland made a terrific selection in taking Walton No. 1 overall in the 1974 NBA Draft.

Walton would really come on the scene in year three with the Trail Blazers. That happened to the be unforgettable 1976-77 NBA championship season. Walton made his first NBA All-Star Game, led the league in blocks and rebounding, was first team All-Defensive and made the All-NBA second team. Above all, he won NBA Finals MVP, as the Trail Blazers took care of the Philadelphia 76ers in six games. Even more impressive, Portland was originally down 0-2 in that best-of-seven series.

Walton would back up his NBA Finals MVP campaign with his best year as a professional. He won NBA MVP, made the All-NBA first team and the All-Defensive first team. Too bad his health took a nightmarish turn for the worse after that. Walton and his feet. It’s such a shame. He would never play for the Trail Blazers after his NBA MVP campaign. Walton missed three of the next four seasons with his hometown San Diego Clippers. He did however have a renaissance season as the NBA’ Sixth Man of the Year for the 1986 Boston Celtics. Some argue that might be the best team ever.

Walton only played in 10 NBA seasons over 13 years. His numbers aren’t overly impressive, but his impact on the game is far-reaching. Being the best player on a championship team has him firmly at No. 2 on this all-time list. Walton earned enshrinement in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993 based on his accomplishments at UCLA, in Portland and briefly with the Celtics. He was a top-10 all-time talent whose body sadly failed him. Portland obviously retired his No. 32 jersey.