Klay pays tribute to Bill Walton with a moving social media post that originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Klay Thompson posted some touching tributes to the late Bill Walton on his Instagram Stories on Tuesday, honoring the Basketball Hall of Famer and his love of nature.
The Warriors star, who grew up a Trail Blazers fan in Lake Oswego, just outside Portland, first posted a photo of Walton, acknowledging Walton’s impact on basketball in the region. Thompson then posted a video of himself taking a walk, paying tribute to the former college and NBA star.
“What’s going on everyone,” Thompson said. “In honor of Mr. Walton, the outdoorsman that he was, I’m going for a walk today. I have my Kyrie Irving-esque walking stick which is crucial for exploring the outdoors, and it’s a beautiful day for it. All the time I will think of Bill and how much his nature walks meant to him.
“And I want to express my condolences to Luke [Walton] and the rest of the family. Shout-out to the city of Portland, the only MVP in our history is Mr. Walton. So wish me luck, it’s hot here, but it’s beautiful.”
Walton died Monday of cancer at the age of 71, with many current and former players from across the NBA expressing their condolences for the legendary big man.
One of the greatest college basketball players of all time, Walton led UCLA to two national championships before being selected by the Trail Blazers with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft. While injuries hampered his professional career, Walton won the MVP award in 1978 and led the Trail Blazers to their only NBA title in 1977.
Later, Walton became an NBA and college basketball broadcaster and was known for his expert basketball knowledge and colorful commentary style.
Walton’s son Luke was an NBA player and coach, including a two-year stint with the Warriors from 2014-2016, where he famously led Golden State to a 39-4 record as a substitute for Steve Kerr at the start of the 2015-2016 season. .
Thompson made sure Tuesday to memorialize Walton in the most fitting way possible: get outside.
Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast
