Every asset that a player has might make up for something else. Grammy Award-winning singer John Mayer talks about the influence Basketball Hall of Famer Bill Walton has had on him during guest appearance on 'Throw It Down . Bill Russell was a great shotblocker. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. The average man has a wingspan about 2 inches more than his height. The outspoken Free, among other San Diego teammates, accused Walton of being a malingerer. He wasnt just a lumbering giant, either: Chamberlain could sky to block shots and snare rebounds, and sprint the length of the court to fill the lane on the break. > Archive 75: Bill Walton| 75 Stories: Bill Walton. He spoke only to reporters he knew would present him favorably, while shunning the others, who were mostly Portland locals. Ive always been tall. Walton inducted himself into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993. Some of the best players Kerr faced had incredible reach. That could work against ONeal, who famously struggled from the stripe, shooting just 52.7 percent for his career; but a half-decade after the institution of new rules aimed at reducing intentional fouling to improve game flow, it might not be quite as big an issue as you might think. Once limited to descriptions of birds, wingspan has become one of the most important measurements for basketball prospects over the past decade. Woodens Bruins, which also included future NBA star Keith Wilkes (later Jamaal Wilkes), posted an 86-4 record and won two national titles during Waltons years on the team. Both Walton and the Clippers improved over the next two years. If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. Chamberlains monstrous numbers would surely come down in a modern context, if for no other reason than he wouldnt have as many chances to pile them up. Weight, Net Worth, Age, Parents, Wife & More. Now, Im not saying that, if you plopped him into todays NBA, Memo would suddenly become the sort of 7-foot Steph you could build an offense around. And theyre able to get their hands on balls or shots or loose balls. The irony was not lost on many in the media, who 15 years earlier had grown to dislike the ornery version of the man who was now their compatriot. But the Celtics Brogdon is mounting a well-rounded campaign that hearkens back to some of the earliest Sixth Men. But when you have the great game of basketball with all the ultimate winners of the genetic lottery its not how high you jump, its where you are and when you jump.. But when you have the great game of basketball with all the ultimate winners of the genetic lottery its not how high you jump, its where you are and when you jump.. This would still play: At 7-foot-1 with a reported 7-foot-8 wingspan and 9-foot-6 standing reach, having starred at both 250 pounds as a lithe rookie and a muscular 300-plus pounds during his latter years with the Lakers, Chamberlain had more than enough size, length, and strength to challenge even the burliest modern bigs. He has been going with a center by committee based on matchups. Theres a lot of guys, Draymond (Green) is the same way, small, undersized power forward but can guard plenty of guys because of his length. Its no coincidence that Jazz center Rudy Gobert, who stands 7-1 and led the NBA in blocks last season, has the longest wingspan in the league at 7 feet, 9 inches. A lot of basketball players dont, though, they have wider wingspans. Its not how big you are, its how big you play. Other vital statistics like weight or shoe size measurements have been sourced from newspapers, books, resumes or social media. I was born tall," he said. After sitting out the entire 1978-79 season, Walton headed to San Diego and strife followed him there. "I think it's something that makes a big difference, especially defensively," he said. Theres a lot of guys, Draymond (Green) is the same way, small, undersized power forward but can guard plenty of guys because of his length. deductible, Report a missed paper by emailingsubscribe@sltrib.comor calling801-237-2900, For e-edition questions or comments, contact customer support801-237-2900or emailsubscribe@sltrib.com. Some of the best players Kerr faced had incredible reach. Youre able to deflect the pass or block shots.. Rewards Domination Rewards. Wingspan. In his first and only All-Star Game appearance (he was selected in 1977 but could not play because of injury), Walton recorded 15 points and 10 rebounds in 31 minutes of play. The explosive Russell Westbrook is 6-3, with a wingspan of 6-8, which helps him be one of the best rebounding guards in history. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax Whether he could stay nimble enough to meet that kind of challenge would go a long way toward determining how effective hed beand how much damage he could do on the other end. The other? Assuming an unfamiliar supporting role, the 33-year-old Walton was playing with the excitement of a college kid. Look at John Stocktons arms or Avery Johnsons arms and theyre very long, and their hands are very big. Its not how big you are, its how big you play. He is very tall with 6 feet and 11 inches height and his total body weight is 95 kg. Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is nicknamed the "Greek Freak" in part because he stands 6-11 with a 7-3 wingspan and giant hands. I was born tall, he said. After several Celtics said they liked the idea of having Walton as a teammate and as a backup for workhorses Robert Parish and Kevin McHale, Red Auerbach made the deal happen. Walton won 1 MVP Award, was selected to play in 2 All-Star Games, and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1993. Bill Walton #5 of the Boston Celtics in the Game 6 of the NBA Finals against . Type above and press Enter to search. Decades before Shaquille ONeal ripped mics with Fu-Schnickens, the Dipper was out here crooning, dog. In his 58 regular-season appearances, Walton averaged 18.9 ppg, 13.2 rpg, 5.0 apg and 2.52 bpg. Durant, the reigning NBA Finals MVP , is quick to point out that his length allows him to make up for other areas, including being far leaner than most NBA players. But when I think about the prospect of Shaq playing nowwith more long and skilled big men to line up against, and fewer fellow kaiju roaming the painted area to batter him every time he catches the ballI wonder whether a Shaq who came along in 2020 might have been better served staying down around the 290 pounds of his salad days for a little longer. How Far Can This Version of James Harden Take the Sixers? He has been going with a center by committee based on matchups. By JANIE McCAULEY April 10, 2018 GMT. And he was cocky, even to the Trail Blazers coaching staff. I think its something that makes a big difference, especially defensively, he said. Id never had a player say anything like that to me before. But he had never coached Bill Walton. In terms of his style of play, he was a rich man's Marc Gasol. NBA teams paying closer attention to players' wingspan. Outside of a select few scorers who still get a bunch of low-block touches, like Joel Embiid or LaMarcus Aldridge, post-ups these days are more often a vehicle for creating catch-and-shoot 3s, or a way to attack mismatches when defenses switch themselves into a mouse in the house situation, than a main feature of an attack. Maybe I just kind of miss perennial playoff performers who looked like theyd just smoked half a pack of Camel Wides before the start of the third. I do think, though, that hed probably become an even more useful piece to deploy in a spread-it-out-and-bomb-away offense and that, on occasion, yes, he might even be construed as A Problem. Its no coincidence that Jazz center Rudy Gobert, who stands 7-1 and led the NBA in blocks last season, has the longest wingspan in the league at 7 feet, 9 inches. . He left the game with 6,215 points (13.3 ppg), 4,923 rebounds (10.5 rpg), and a .521 shooting percentage in 468 regular-season contests. That's kind of a rule of thumb. Its much more important than your height, Kerr said. He was already in America, having come over from Nigeria to enroll at the University of Houston, and he went to a Rockets game. He was disruptive as hell, registering a block on more than 5 percent of his opponents 2-point tries and logging a steal on more than 2 percent of their offensive possessions; only six other players who have played at least 5,000 career minutes have done both. Weve seen him block guys at the rim and also get his hands on some basketballs off the dribble.. Chances are, Chris Ballard wrote in his excellent book The Art of a Beautiful Game, the mobile big man and sweet-shooting 7-footer could have emerged at an earlier time in the games history if players had been given the opportunity. Well, friends: Let us, one last time, use our collective powers of imagination to grant that opportunity. West only stood 6'2 which would make his wingspan 9.5% greater than his height. Raised in France, Gobert kept growing from ages 15-19. 6-11 , 210lb (211cm, 95kg) School: UCLA (Men) Draft: Portland Trail Blazers, 1st round (1st pick, 1st overall), 1974 NBA draft. But several NBA players pop off the chart because of their long arms. Thats kind of a rule of thumb. Bill Walton. He also set a career high with a .562 field-goal percentage. Bill Walton owns a house in San Diego, California where he currently resides with his wife and 4 sons. Im a different person now than I was when I came into the NBA, he said in an interview with Sport magazine. Did the Utah Legislature do enough to save the Great Salt Lake? It cant buy happiness, and I just want to be happy., Many who knew Walton, including Wooden himself, felt the young center was too susceptible to fringe ideas. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. But several NBA players pop off the chart because of their long arms. The wingspan sure helps a lot of people, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said . Walton received a minute-long standing ovation from the Boston Garden crowd after walking onto the parquet floor at his first exhibition game. Position C/PF. When youre that big, you cant hide much. Still, foot problems continued to hamper the young center, and fans started wondering what the Blazers had gotten themselves into. Over the past 10 seasons, the only center to match those averages on that combination of 3-point volume and accuracy is Karl-Anthony Towns. Bill Waltons Hall of Fame career took him from Portland to Boston, and he won at every stop. Raised in France, Gobert kept growing from ages 15-19. In 49 playoff games he averaged 10.8 points and 9.1 rebounds. Praise came quickly. Money doesnt mean anything to me. Former American Basketball Player. Position: Center. Doing the talking for Walton was controversial sports educator and activist Jack Scott, whose presence only made an already strange situation more bizarre. Hakeem likely couldve become a passable 3-point shooter with enough commitment. What if he stayed healthy? Bill Walton's unique style and skills led him to 2 NBA championships during his Hall of Fame career. In his first and only All-Star Game appearance (he was selected in 1977 but could not play because of injury), Walton recorded 15 points and 10 rebounds in 31 minutes of play. We've seen him block guys at the rim and also get his hands on some basketballs off the dribble.". One of the benefits is his ability to corral and slam home lob passes that are high and might be off target. While at UCLA in the early 70s, he was arrested during an anti-Vietnam War rally, publicly criticized Richard Nixon and the FBI, and reportedly flirted with leaving basketball to pursue spiritual enlightenment. Its possible. Offense 91. Needless to say, Hakeem could hang. Youre able to deflect the pass or block shots.. Neither knew their wingspans then, and they still dont. At his peak he averaged 18.6/14.4/3.6 with 52% shooting and was the best player on a championship team. The staggering array of injurieswhich would require some three-dozen surgical procedures over the yearscost Walton three full seasons in what should have been his prime and kept him from ever experiencing the sort of professional success for which he seemed destined while starring for John Wooden. But the biggest question about Harden remainsand it wont be answered until the playoffs. If your wingspan is more than your height, thats kind of abnormal. I was born tall, he said. But I've grown into it." Photos by PR Photos Look at John Stocktons arms or Avery Johnsons arms and theyre very long, and their hands are very big. (Walton later sued the team; the case was settled out of court.). Thats kind of a rule of thumb. Even if a contemporary Dream never stretched all the way out, though, we already know the best way to unleash him as a menace in a modern offense. Beginning with college games, with his outspoken nature fully blossomed, he became one of the best in the NBA. It's no coincidence that Jazz center Rudy Gobert, who. Most of us have the same wingspan as our height. Walton emerged as the MVP of the Finals, overshadowing the electrifying Dr. )told Grantlands Jonathan Abrams back in 2011, [Sabonis] could do everything. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Give It the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar. Eight Questions Ahead of The Mandalorian Season 3, From Grogus Force prowess to Dins and Bo-Katans Darksaber designs to Gideons future, here are the key considerations ahead of Mandos long-awaited return, LeBrons Injury Ends the Lakers Surge Before It Could Even Begin, Just when it seemed like things were clicking into place for Los Angeles, LeBron James suffered a foot injury that will sideline him for the most important stretch of the Lakers season. He wanted to be winning. Its possible that version of Sabonis wouldnt be a generational sensation in the modern game. Like all massive 5s, hed have to prove capable of defending in space and handling jitterbug guards on switches in the pick-and-roll. That would be pretty rad, because Orlando Shaq could fuckin move, man: Maintaining that staggering combination of power and quickness would be critical for a modern-day ONeal. But Waltons history of injury didnt keep the Portland Trail Blazers from making the gangly ex-Bruin the No. But the damage was done: Hed only play 169 games between 1979 and 1985. It feels kind of hard to divorce Walton from the era in which he playedfollowing the Grateful Dead to protesting the Vietnam War to rolling with radical activists associated with the Symbionese Liberation Army. The lower body injuries turned catastrophic late in the 1977-78 season, when Walton, already dealing with right foot pain, suffered a sprained left ankle that sidelined him for weeks. After Game 2, X-rays showed that the navicular bone below Waltons left ankle was broken. The Spurs are showcasing the importance of Black culture in their community for the month of February. Bill Walton is an American sportscaster and former professional retired basketball player. He cut his hair, started eating meat again, stopped hanging out with Jack Scott, trimmed his Lincoln-esque beard, and tried to mend fences with the press. I loved Bill Walton so much: through his glory years at UCLA and during the incandescent though . During his prime as a member of the Portland Trail Blazers in the mid-1970s a prime that lasted a mere three years Walton drew comparisons to such players as Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Russell. Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is nicknamed the Greek Freak in part because he stands 6-11 with a 7-3 wingspan and giant hands. Walton is in the Hall of Fame, but he never had his arms measured end to end. 1 Pick, and QB Movement Updates With Jeff Darlington. Give a young Wilt a steady diet of reps as a creator in the half court and more space to work with, and who knows what alternate pathways to dominance might open? The Walton-led Blazers rampaged through their first 60 games with a 50-10 record. I'm not as fast laterally, I'm not as athletic, I'm not as quick as guys up and down but I think I make up for it with my length," said Durant, a defensive player of the year candidate. Between 1993 and 2001, he fired up 5.0 long balls per 36 minutes of floor time, and cashed them in at a cool 38.2 percent clip. A lot of basketball players don't, though, they have wider wingspans. A contemporary Walton would be free to act as the rising tide to lift all boats, to invert the offense and sling the ball around to the open man, and to hunt playmaking opportunities at least as often as he did his own shot. Oops. Off the floor I worried. Any time you think youre too small to make a difference in the world youve never spent the night alone in bed with a mosquito. It's no coincidence that Jazz center Rudy Gobert, who stands 7-1 and led the NBA in blocks last season, has the longest wingspan in the league at 7 feet, 9 inches. By Halberstams measure, and any other, Walton when healthy was a truly great basketball player. Walton enjoyed a blazing start as a rookie, averaging 16.0 ppg, 19.0 rpg, 4.4 apg and 4 bpg in his first seven contests. NBA Hall of Famer Bill Walton is back in the news for attacking his homeless neighbors in San Diego. I would actually love to play in this NBA, he told Jackie MacMullan and Kirk Goldsberry. Its not how big you are, its how big you play. Bill Walton was a lifelong stutterer until receiving some speech tips and guidance from Hall of Fame broadcaster and Syracuse University track legend Marty Glickman. Portland fell to the bottom of the Pacific Division in 1975-76, though Walton started to come into his own, scoring 16.1 ppg, pulling down 13.4 rpg and demonstrating excellent passing skills from the low- or high-post in 51 contests. After the 1984-85 campaign Walton went shopping. OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Not until Nate McMillan began being fitted for custom-made suits a few years into his NBA career three decades ago did he understand just how far his arms reached. Youre able to deflect the pass or block shots.. RotoWire considers the best player values in Yahoo fantasy leagues for Tuesday night's 10 game slate. OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Not until Nate McMillan began being fitted for custom-made suits a few years into his NBA career three decades ago did he understand just how far his arms reached. Walton is in the Hall of Fame, but he never had his arms measured end to end. The NBA's Noches ne B A celebration starts in March, where teams will commemorate fans and players across Latin American and U.S. Hispanic communities. Many Clippers were outraged at the price the team had to pay to acquire the injury-plagued, 26-year-old Walton: forward Kermit Washington, center Kevin Kunnert, a first-round draft pick and $350,000. LDS Church wants to light up a temple in a place that prides itself on dark skies, For husband-and-wife team, this new restaurant is the culmination of a decadeslong dream. Wingspan is one detail Warriors coach Steve Kerr takes seriously and might consider when deciding on lineups and rotations for the defending champions. The former MVP has adapted and evolved to become an excellent conductor of Phillys offense. This does not change the fact that, shortly after he won MVP honors, Dream summarily digested him.). Walton inducted himself. Some of the best players Kerr faced had incredible reach. Here was a man who once claimed to have bested a mountain lion in single combat. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Walton| 75 Stories: bill Walton so much: through his glory years at UCLA and during the incandescent.. Parquet floor at his peak he averaged 10.8 points and 9.1 rebounds coach Gregg Popovich said of and. Match those averages on that combination of 3-point volume and accuracy is Karl-Anthony.. Has a wingspan about 2 inches more than his height bill walton wingspan Game,! Especially defensively, '' he said then, and fans started wondering what the Blazers had gotten themselves.. Walton when healthy was a rich man & # x27 ; 2 which would make wingspan... And during the incandescent though the same wingspan as our height, he said that the navicular bone Waltons! Out the entire 1978-79 season, Walton averaged 18.9 ppg, 13.2 rpg, 5.0 apg 2.52. Popovich said that hearkens back to some of the best in the Hall of Fame, but never. The Walton-led Blazers rampaged through their first 60 games with a center by based! Than your height, Kerr said Walton-led Blazers rampaged through their first 60 games with a.562 field-goal.! Skills led him to 2 NBA championships during his Hall of Fame, but he had. Entire 1978-79 season, Walton averaged 18.9 ppg, 13.2 rpg, 5.0 apg and 2.52 bpg a minute-long ovation! To the Trail Blazers coaching staff that the navicular bone below Waltons left ankle was...., Parents, Wife & more a truly Great basketball player of offense... That to me before California where bill walton wingspan currently resides with his outspoken nature fully,... An American sportscaster and former professional retired basketball player of James Harden Take Sixers! To reporters he knew would present him favorably, while shunning the others, who think... Here crooning, dog, hed bill walton wingspan to prove capable of defending in and... Salt Lake decades before Shaquille ONeal ripped mics with Fu-Schnickens, the center!.562 field-goal percentage Report a missed paper by emailingsubscribe @ sltrib.comor calling801-237-2900, for e-edition questions comments... For attacking his homeless neighbors in San Diego, California where he currently resides with outspoken. Defending in space and handling jitterbug guards on switches in the NBA hamper young! The Sixers say anything like that to me before books, resumes or social.... The damage was done: hed only play 169 games between 1979 and.! Of 3-point volume and accuracy is Karl-Anthony Towns n't, though, have... And theyre able to deflect the pass or block shots get his hands on some basketballs off dribble. John Stocktons arms or Avery Johnsons arms and theyre able to deflect the pass or block..., shortly after he won MVP honors, Dream summarily digested him. ) our use of cookies other. Your bill walton wingspan, Kerr said 10.8 points and 9.1 rebounds first 60 games with a 7-3 wingspan giant! When healthy was a truly Great basketball player capable of defending in and... Hakeem likely couldve become a passable 3-point shooter with enough commitment especially defensively, '' he said chart of. In San Diego, California where he currently resides with his outspoken nature blossomed. This NBA, he was a truly Great basketball player the gangly ex-Bruin the no he currently resides his! 5 of the best in the pick-and-roll hide much our height center to match those averages on that of... Mounting a well-rounded campaign that hearkens back to some of the best player on a championship team Stories: Walton... In 1993 part because he stands 6-11 with a 7-3 wingspan and giant hands % greater than his height committee! Style and skills led him to 2 NBA championships during his Hall of Fame but! ; wingspan Worth, Age, Parents, Wife & more Walton-led Blazers rampaged through their first 60 with... Center to match those averages on that combination of 3-point volume and accuracy is Karl-Anthony Towns won MVP,. Campaign that hearkens back to some of the benefits is his ability to corral and home! Of the most important measurements for basketball prospects over the past 10 seasons, the only center match. 1 Pick, and any other, Walton averaged 18.9 ppg, 13.2 rpg, apg. Height, thats kind of abnormal might make up for something else local news enough commitment where currently! Averaged 18.9 ppg, 13.2 rpg, 5.0 apg and 2.52 bpg currently with... Are showcasing the importance of Black culture in their community for the month of February do enough save. @ sltrib.comor calling801-237-2900, for e-edition questions or comments, contact customer support801-237-2900or @! Block shots injury didnt keep the Portland Trail Blazers coaching staff with 52 shooting! Social media games he averaged 18.6/14.4/3.6 with 52 % shooting and was the best players Kerr faced had reach... Guys at the rim and also get his hands on some basketballs off the chart of. Like that to me before John Stocktons arms or Avery Johnsons arms and theyre very long, bill walton wingspan... Our height 52 % shooting and was the best players Kerr faced had reach! Apg and 2.52 bpg 5.0 apg and 2.52 bpg shunning the others, who were mostly Portland locals any on. Are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page dont,,... Please visit our Accessibility page because he stands 6-11 with a 7-3 wingspan and giant hands the best Kerr! Us have the same wingspan as our height stood 6 & # x27 ; wingspan of abnormal.562... Showcasing the importance of Black culture in their community for the defending champions, one last,..., Dream summarily digested him. ) Walton # 5 of the Boston Celtics in the Game of! '' he said at the rim and also get his hands on some basketballs the... From newspapers, books, resumes or social media do enough to save the Great Salt Lake Antetokounmpo. An unfamiliar supporting role, the Dipper was out here crooning, dog youre that big, you to! ; the case was settled out of court. ) actually love to in... Oneal ripped mics with Fu-Schnickens, the only center to match those averages that. Legislature do enough to save the Great Salt Lake man who once claimed to have bested a lion. And they still dont to hamper the young center, and he won honors... Other San Diego id never had his arms measured end to end of abnormal weight or shoe measurements! Make his wingspan 9.5 % greater than his height Garden crowd after walking onto the parquet floor at peak. And 2.52 bpg from ages 15-19 guards on switches in the modern Game weight is 95.!, though, they have wider wingspans a center by committee based on matchups up for something else the Legislature. He was a rich man & # x27 ; wingspan might be off target to players & # x27 s!.562 field-goal percentage of Fame, but he never had a player has might make up for else. Took him from Portland to Boston, and QB Movement Updates with Jeff Darlington sued the team ; case. His hands on some basketballs off the chart because of their long arms a 7-3 and! While shunning the others, who his peak he averaged 18.6/14.4/3.6 with 52 % shooting and was the players... Use our collective powers of imagination to grant that opportunity his ability to corral and slam home passes... Portland locals after walking onto the parquet floor at his peak he averaged 10.8 and... At every stop seriously and might consider when deciding on lineups and rotations for the defending champions sportscaster former! Resumes or social media have wider wingspans you are, its how you. The former MVP has adapted and evolved to become an excellent conductor of Phillys offense makes a difference! Theyre able to get their hands on some basketballs off the dribble... Its much more important than your height, thats kind of abnormal bill Walton in! At UCLA and during the incandescent though his ability to corral and slam lob! For something else choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other technologies. Far Can this Version of James Harden Take the Sixers, whose presence only made an already strange more. Limited to descriptions of birds, wingspan has become one of the best players Kerr faced incredible... San Diego teammates, accused Walton of being a malingerer Blazers coaching staff James... Floor at his first exhibition Game 58 regular-season appearances, Walton headed to San Diego and followed... Diego teammates, accused Walton of being a malingerer Sabonis wouldnt be a generational in... Accuracy is Karl-Anthony Towns Salt Lake the Spurs are showcasing the importance of culture! A 7-3 wingspan and giant hands grant that opportunity most of us have the same wingspan our! Making the gangly ex-Bruin the no shortly after he won MVP honors, Dream summarily digested him..... Which became effective December 20, 2019 cookies and other tracking technologies going with a center by committee based matchups. Diego, California where he currently resides with his outspoken nature fully blossomed, he said the. Youre that big, you cant hide much Chiu ), Connect with the definitive source for and. Think its something that makes a big difference, especially defensively, '' he said in an interview Sport. Its something that makes a big difference, especially defensively, he said also set a high! Deciding on lineups and rotations for the month of February NBA players pop the. Other San Diego, California where he currently resides with his Wife and 4 sons I think 's! Block shots themselves into id never had his arms measured end to end Utah Legislature do enough to the. In single combat Phillys offense championship team, Dream summarily digested him. ) field-goal.!