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Q&A: Bill Walton

Sporting News, The, April 22, 2005 by Stan McNeal

Hall of Famer Bill Walton is serving as host and lead panelist for The History Channel's NBA's Top 10 Greatest show, which will premiere April 21. Walton also analyzes games for ESPN and is the host of a weekly radio show.

TSN: Since you're heading up this panel on determining the league's greatest games, dunks, comebacks and champions, why couldn't you get a single Bill Walton nomination on any of the lists? You could argue the 1977 Blazers were one of the great champions.

WALTON: This is a show for the fans, and this is what they want. But that was a great team, the youngest ever to win a championship.

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TSN: When you were named one of the NBA's 50 greatest players in 1997, they introduced the players at the All-Star Game in Cleveland. What do you remember about that experience?

WALTON: At the end of this four-day celebration, all the guys were alone in this big room. No media, no personal managers, not even David Stern. Everyone was in the happiest mood ever. Even Bill Russell was signing autographs. I remember looking over in a corner, and Wilt (Chamberlain) and Michael (Jordan) were arguing loudly over who was the greatest of all time. Finally, Wilt got up, looked down at Michael and said, "When you played, they changed the rules to make it easier for you. When I played, they changed the rules to make it harder for me." That was the end of the conversation.

TSN: The NBA playoffs are almost here. Who's going to reach The Finals?

WALTON: I think Phoenix and Miami are the two best teams. The late-season injury (to Tim Duncan) is going to have a major impact on San Antonio. Detroit is lacking the commitment to the big picture.

TSN: Given all the problems you've had with your feet, are you able to get out and play a little backyard ball with your sons?

WALTON: I can walk, though some might say it's more of a rolling limp. I can't run, but I can ride my bike. At my home in San Diego, 1 can go out my front door and head out in any direction for a beautiful ride.

Q&A: Bill Walton

Sporting News, The, April 22, 2005 by Stan McNeal

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