Walton’s basketball lows were very low but his highs were as high as anyone ever reached.
By the time Bill Walton got to the Boston Celtics in 1985, he was widely considered washed up. He had a long list of injuries and almost no one thought that he could get back to any resemblance of his former brilliance.
Even the Celtics medical team rejected Walton. But Red Auerbach, who was in the room, intervened, asking Walton if he thought he could play. Walton said yes, he thought he could, and Auerbach said, in so many words, congratulations Bill, you just passed the physical.
Injuries hit him in Boston too, but he had one beautiful, mostly complete season in 1985-86, coming off the bench to support Robert Parish and Kevin McHale.
Walton was mocked because of his frequent injuries, but people forgot or underestimated three things about him: first, he had immense talent and skill, second, he loved the game deeply and third, the man had a deep desire to win.
All of that came rushing back in Boston as you’ll see in these highlights. His mobility wasn’t what it had been but his instincts were all there and when he was on the court with Larry Bird, basketball magic happened and the 85-86 Celtics are widely regarded as the greatest team in NBA history.
It didn't last of course: Walton only played 10 games the following season after injuring himself on a stationary bike and that was pretty much it.
But he got a second championship to pair with the title he won with Portland in 1977 and he laid one last claim to greatness. When you see these highlights, you’ll understand why.
