Bill Walton is a legendary American basketball player and broadcaster.
| Full Name | William Theodore Walton III |
| Date of Birth | November 5, 1952 |
| Current Age | 71 years old |
| Height | 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 meters) |
| Birthplace | La Mesa, California, U.S. |
| Wife | Lori Matsuoka (m. 1991) |
| Children | Adam, Nathan, Luke, Chris |
| Net Worth | $20 million |
| College | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
| NBA Draft | 1974: 1st round, 1st overall pick (Portland Trail Blazers) |
| NBA Teams | Portland Trail Blazers (1974–1979), San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers (1979–1985), Boston Celtics (1985–1988) |
| NBA Achievements | 2× NBA Champion (1977, 1986), NBA Finals MVP (1977), NBA Most Valuable Player (1978), 2× NBA All-Star (1977, 1978), NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1986) |
| College Achievements | 2× NCAA Champion (1972, 1973), 2× NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (1972, 1973), 3× National College Player of the Year (1972–1974), 3× Consensus First-Team All-American (1972–1974) |
| Hall of Fame Inductions | Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1993), National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame (2006) |
| Broadcasting Career | CBS, NBC, ABC/ESPN, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, Pac-12 Network |
Early Life and Basketball Career:
Bill Walton was born on November 5, 1952, in La Mesa, California, Bill Walton’s love for basketball blossomed at an early age.
He is 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 meters), and his exceptional skills complement Walton’s height on the court.
His high school years at Helix High School were a testament to his talent, where he led his team to consecutive California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Championships in 1969 and 1970.
College and NBA Success:
Bill Walton also had a memorable college career at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He received three consecutive national College Player of the Year awards (1972–1974) while under the instruction of renowned coach John Wooden. In the years 1972 and 1973, he guided UCLA to NCAA championships.
No other player on the court was as dominant as him, leading to him winning various awards among which are three times when the consensus first-team All-American in basketball.
In 1974, Walton was the first overall pick in the NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. His career was marked by both triumph and adversity, with injuries plaguing his time with the Trail Blazers, San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers, and Boston Celtics.
Even with the setbacks, Walton’s determination and skill stood out. He led the Trail Blazers to win the NBA championship in 1977 and earned the NBA Finals MVP Award. In 1978, he was named the NBA Most Valuable Player.
Net Worth:
Bill Walton’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million. Despite his playing career being marred by injuries, he successfully transitioned into broadcasting and pursued various business ventures, significantly contributing to his wealth.
Personal Life and Wife:
In 1991, Bill Walton married Lori Matsuoka, and the couple has remained together ever since. Walton had four sons from his previous marriage to Susie: Adam, Nathan, Luke, and Chris.
Luke Walton followed in his father’s footsteps, playing in the NBA and winning two championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009 and 2010, making them the first father-son duo to win multiple NBA titles.
Broadcasting and Other Endeavors:
After retiring from professional basketball, Walton started a successful career in broadcasting, working as a color commentator for CBS, NBC, ABC/ESPN, and the Pac-12 Network.
His insightful analysis, unique personality, and love for the Grateful Dead made him a fan favorite among basketball enthusiasts.
Walton’s passions go beyond basketball. He supports environmental causes and is involved in various charitable organizations. He also wrote a memoir, “Back from the Dead: Searching for the Sound, Shining the Light and Throwing It Down,” which shares insights into his life and experiences.
