Ranking 14 biggest what-ifs in Portland Trail Blazers history
By Tyler Watts
4. Bill Walton stays healthy?
The Trail Blazers drafted Walton with the first overall pick in 1974, and he was already a star. The 6’11 big man helped UCLA win two NCAA titles in three years as he won virtually every award possible.
In Portland, he struggled to stay healthy, but quickly became a star. Walton made an impact on both ends of the floor, and the Blazers won their only championship in franchise history in 1977. Walton was the star of the team and an unstoppable force by his third season. He led the league in rebounds and blocks per game along with being an elite scoring and passing big man.
Walton won MVP in 1978, but he was playing through pain in the playoffs when he realized he had a broken bone in his foot. He requested a trade after the season, and the 6’11 big man was never the same.
Bill Walton played six more seasons in the NBA, but mostly as a role player. Fans never saw that dominant two-way force again. He had injuries throughout his time in Portland (subscription required), and it is fair to wonder what-if.
With a healthy Walton, the Portland Trail Blazers had a fantastic shot at defending their title in 1978. That could have opened the door for them to draft Larry Bird and build a dynasty, but it never happened.