Remembering Bill Walton: A Basketball Poet On and Off the Court

As I reflect on the life and legacy of Bill Walton, I am reminded of the promise I made to him - to write kind words about him. Today, I fulfill that promise, celebrating the life of a basketball great who left an indelible mark on the sport.

Bill Walton, a basketball legend

Walton’s passing on Memorial Day has left a void in the basketball world. But as I look back on our conversation, I am reminded of his exuberance, creativity, and passion for the game. He was a force of nature, and his love for basketball was infectious.

“I love Drew Timme,” Walton said. “He’s an exuberant force of nature like few others. He plays with boundless enthusiasm, he’s got an incredible skill level, he’s got a mind that separates him from the crowd… he has the creativity of a genius and he has a very vivid imagination. And he’s super fun. What’s not to love?”

Walton’s description of Timme sounded eerily like a description of himself. His own exuberant commentary, hyperbole, and non-sequiturs polarized some basketball broadcast viewers. But what critics forgot was that you can’t take poets or philosophers literally. Walton was talking about humanity, high aspirations, and art - the things that, he believed, were exemplified when the game of basketball was at its best.

Drew Timme, the Gonzaga big man

During our conversation, Walton spoke about the importance of making other people’s lives better. He sensed Timme’s “glorious” dreams by watching him play. “He’s very much like the Spokane Falls, he just keeps coming, even the hardened lava can’t stop him or make him change directions. It’s fabulous.”

Walton’s relationship with his legendary coach John Wooden was a beautiful one, based on respect, with the occasional butting of heads over cultural differences. Their relationship was reminiscent of the wonderful collaboration between Timme and Gonzaga head coach Mark Few.

Mark Few, Gonzaga head coach

Walton’s influence extended beyond the basketball court. He was a child of the ’60s, one of the highest-profile athletes trying to effect social reform through his sport and frequent protests during that period of unrest.

As I reflect on Walton’s life, I am reminded of his grand perspective on life and its possibilities. He was a scrawny kid with a speech impediment and profound introversion, but became a spokesman for social causes, a Hall of Fame athlete, and one of the most voluble speakers in any medium.

Bill Walton, a larger-than-life figure

Walton played through injuries, illnesses, and pain, often amid the chorus of criticism. But he still took an ineffable, unrelenting joy in his world. Yes, he ranted at times, but with purpose. He was teaching, interpreting, entertaining - translating the wonders of art and music and literature through the prism of basketball.

He was larger than life, but not too large to share his time. And therein lies his greatness from my perspective.

Rest in peace, Bill Walton. Your poetry will live on forever.