"There was a period where he would get up at 5 in the morning, roll over on the floor, and stay there the rest of the day," Walton says. "He couldn't do anything. I felt so bad for him."How unfortunately fitting, that a man whose on-court awesomeness was derailed by injuries sees his broadcasting career (however debated in terms of quality) interrupted by injury. Whether you love or hate Walton's on-air presence, there's no question his absence has made the postseason seem odd, if not a bit empty. (His input on Shaq-vs-Duncan in the first round would have been magick.)
In the interest of best wishes to Big Red, enjoy this timeless, brilliant Walton solliloquy on Boris Diaw and Beethoven.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-25-2008 @ 11:54AM
Ryne Nelson said...
A very touching story about Walton. Plaschke does an excellent job of getting us to feel what the Walton's are going through during this extended rehabilitation. I really liked how humble Bill sounds, saying, "I am not the story. Luke is the story."
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5-25-2008 @ 1:19PM
DAN GOODMAN said...
Bill Walton is one of the finest people I have ever met. As a celebrity, he is one in a million. Imagine spending time with a person that famous who is as interested in you as you are in him! Unlike almost every famous egocentric athelet, he is value and intellect driven.. He has overcome obstacles most would shy from, he is well worth looking up to, for more reasons than his size. He is one great role model and well worth listening to!
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5-25-2008 @ 3:06PM
Pomona Lawyer said...
I read the article this morning in the LA Times. It must be serious since he can't even come to a game to do a sit down job. I am always amazed when I hear two generations of NBA players in the same family. I hope Bill gets better.
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5-25-2008 @ 5:16PM
Temple Stark said...
Though I wish him good health I’m ecstatic that Bill Walton is nowhere near a microphone this post-season. My happiness cannot be underestimated. He’s a verbal tool.
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5-25-2008 @ 5:29PM
LEE said...
I NEVER LIKE BILL WALTON UNTIL HE LEFT BASKETBALL. I WENT THROUGH THE SAME SURGERY /BREAKAGE IN AKLES. I KNOW WHAT HER WENT THROUGH. PEOPLE DO NOT UNDERSTAND AFTER YEARS OF HARD BALL AS WE GET OLD THE PAIN IS FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE
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5-26-2008 @ 4:31AM
Lex said...
I grew up in southern California, and in the late 60's, 70's, and the great LA Times Jim Murray.They always got Walton right. He was a quirky, smart, different individual in all the ways that is right with that word.He played hard for a living legend, Mr. Wooden, drank life deeply, traveled , asked questions, got into respectful debates, used this drug in our culture called 'fame' for positive purposes, and now... like Barkley, c'mon, in the snap of your fingers, isn't he one of the voices you want, opinions of the game.
Bill, get stronger, use the power of the mind to get you there !
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5-26-2008 @ 5:01AM
frank said...
A great player;
I had suffered from my back for a long time;
I can relate to what he is going with the pain;
To crawl out of bed is something that I can relate too;
Wishing him well and prompt recup;
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