- Overcame a severe stuttering disorder while playing in the NBA.
- Missed more than half the games his teams played while he was under contract (1974-1988) due to injury.
- Spent more than half of his 14-year career (1974-1988) on the Injured List due to foot problems, including the entire 1987-1988 season (his last).
- Had perhaps the greatest game ever by a collegiate player in the 1973 NCAA Championship Game when he hit 21 of 22 shots from the field, scored 44 points, and pulled down 13 rebounds for UCLA in their 87-66 win over Memphis State.
- All 4 sons play/have played college basketball: Adam, Nathan, Luke, Christopher (San Diego State class of 2004).
- Son, Luke, graduated from the University of Arizona and was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2nd round of the 2003 NBA Draft.
- Professional basketball player.
- Enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.
- Played for the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Portland Trail Blazers (1974-1975 thru 1977-1978), San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers (1979-1980 thru 1984-1984), and Boston Celtics (1985-1986 & 1986-1987).
- Does NBA color commentary for NBC.
- Was a part of two NBA championship teams (with the Portland Trailblazers in 1977 and the Boston Celtics in 1986), and three NCAA championship teams with UCLA (in 1971, 1972, and 1973).
- Son, Luke, is a senior and starting forward for the University of Arizona Wildcats. (2002)
- NBA MVP (1978). NBA Sixth Man Award (1986). Two-time NBA All-Star (1977-1978). All-NBA First Team (1978). All-NBA Second Team (1977). NBA All-Defensive first team (1977-1978). NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (1977). Led NBA with 3.25 blocked shots per game (1977). Holds NBA Finals single-game record for most defensive rebounds¾20 (June 3, 1977 vs. Philadelphia and June 5, 1977 vs. Philadelphia). Shares NBA Finals single-game record for most blocked shots¾8 (June 5, 1977 vs. Philadelphia). NBA 50th Anniversary Team (1996).
- Played for UCLA (1970-1974). The Sporting News College Player of the Year (1972-1974). Naismith Award winner (1972-1974). The Sporting News All-America first team (1972-1974). NCAA Division I Tournament Most Outstanding Player (1972-1973). Holds NCAA tournament career record for highest field goal percentage (minimum of 60 made)¾68.6 percent, 109 of 159 (1972-1974). Holds NCAA tournament single-season record of highest field-goal percentage (minimum of 40 made)¾76.3 percent, 45-of-59 (1973). Named All-State, All-American, All-Conference and Conference MVP three times (1967-1970). Ranks first in career rebounding with 1,370 (15.7 average). Holds UCLA record for rebounds in a season (506 for a 16.9 average).
- All 4 sons play/have played college basketball: Adam Walton (Cal Poly Pomona), Nathan Whitecloud Walton (Princeton), Luke Walton (University of Arizona), Christopher Walton (San Diego State).
- Is an avid fan of Grateful Dead. Toured around with and followed Grateful Dead.
- In college, he managed to drive a VW Bug by completely removing the front seat and driving from the back.
- Graduated from Helix High School (Class of 1970).
- Works with the Challenged Athletes Foundation.
- Inducted into the City of La Mesa [California] Walk of Fame in 2003.
- Inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1993.
- Son, Nathan Whitecloud Walton, is running for Governor of California in 2003.
- In 1979 he received an Emmy for his work on an environmental documentary filmed on location in the Philippines.
- Does commentary for NBA and had his own ESPN show called Bill Walton's Long, Strange Trip (2003).
- Lives in San Diego with wife Lori and his four sons. Does NBA color commentary for NBC. (May 2002)
- Was nominated for Man of the Year (2003).
- Currently does commentary for NBA and has his own ESPN show called "Long Strange Trip."
- Is an avid fan and honorary member of Grateful Dead. Toured around with and followed Grateful Dead.
- Inducted into the California Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.
- Inducted into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame in 1984 (inaugural class).
- Inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006 (inaugural class).
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