- Played four seasons with Trail Blazers (1974-78)
- Averaged 17.1 points, 13.5 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game
- 2x All-Star, 1x NBA champion with Trail Blazers
Bill Walton is arguably the saddest case of a generational talent being so chronically injured that he only managed a handful of All-Star appearances in his career.
Walton was the first overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft by Portland. He only played in 35 games as a rookie, averaging 12.8 points and 12.6 rebounds per game, but added 4.8 assists and 2.7 blocks to his per-game ledger.
In his second year, he improved to 16.1 points and 13.4 rebounds per game. However, the team stagnated, dropping slightly from 38 wins in 1974-75 to 37 wins in 1975-76.
But 1976-77 was a magical campaign. Walton was named an All-Star for the first time as he dominated to the tune of 18.6 points, 14.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and a whopping 3.2 blocks per game. The rebounding and block averages were both tops in the NBA that year. The team not only improved, but won the whole thing. Portland defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA Finals in six games.
Walton made one more All-Star team in Portland, averaging a career-high 18.9 points per game and a career-high five assists per game the following year. The Trail Blazers had an even better regular season than the year before with 58 wins, but lost in six games to the then Seattle SuperSonics in the first round of postseason play.
Walton sat out the next season due to injury before appearing in 14 games for the then San Diego Clippers in 1979-80. Then, two more years on the sidelines before three more with the Clippers.
Walton wrapped up his career with two seasons and one more ring with the Boston Celtics. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame following the conclusion of his career.