bill walton wingspan

The controversies that had embroiled Walton up to this point were mild compared to what would follow. But whats the legacy of the blockbuster album? When Bill Walton dominated at UCLA in the 1970s, no one ever measured his wingspan from fingertips to fingertips and arms outstretched. What if he stayed healthy? Even so, the collection of skills at that size, with that flair, and with the athleticism to play like a point guard at 7-foot-3 would be intoxicating to watch nowa perfect fit for where the center position is, and where it could go from here. 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. Rewards Domination Rewards. Still, foot problems continued to hamper the young center, and fans started wondering what the Blazers had gotten themselves into. Wellat the risk of disrespecting a stand-up dude for the second time in the space of one columnlets ask David Robinson, against whom Sabonis held his own when the Soviet Union nearly knocked off Team USA in the gold-medal game of the 1986 FIBA World Championship, and when the USSR did defeat the Americans in the semifinals of the 1988 Summer Olympics (despite Sabonis playing shortly after recovering from his first Achilles rupture): Legendary big-man coach and talent evaluator Pete Newell told Sam Toperoff of The Atlantic Monthly in 1986 that he thought Sabonis could conceivably become the greatest player in the game and he would have taken the Lithuanian over Patrick Ewing in the 1985 draft if he had played for an American team. Every asset that a player has might make up for something else. As a collegian, he suffered tendinitis in his knees and injured his back. it's like your wingspan . Wingspan is one detail Warriors coach Steve Kerr takes seriously and might consider when deciding on lineups and rotations for the defending champions. Money doesnt mean anything to me. The average man has a wingspan about 2 inches more than his height. With one of the strongest lineups in NBA history, Boston steamrolled through the regular season, compiling a 67-15 record. Its legit. You make up a lot of ground. TV Schedule Home Bio Walton Gallery Wooden News Speaking Grateful Dead Duane Roth Best of Recently Book List Latest News TV Schedule PDF Given his love for the spotlight, his polarizing on- and off-court presence, and his sensitivity to blowback, how would a figure as towering as Wilt Chamberlain play in the social media era? His foot deadened by a painkilling injection, Walton attempted a comeback in the playoffs against the Seattle SuperSonics. He led the league in both rebounding and blocked shots, averaging 14.4 and 3.25, respectively. His arms are long and he can block shots. He embodied the best of the positions present while hinting at an even brighter future. But the biggest question about Harden remainsand it wont be answered until the playoffs. A lot of basketball players dont, though, they have wider wingspans. Doing the talking for Walton was controversial sports educator and activist Jack Scott, whose presence only made an already strange situation more bizarre. He didn't often hear the term wingspan, finally understanding how special his measurement is when he got to the NBA. The average man has a wingspan about 2 inches more than his height. Im a big believer in that., More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball, This March 25, 2018, photo shows Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert in action during an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Oakland, Calif. From executives and scouts to coaches and analytics types, teams are paying closer attention to wingspan when considering players _ especially with what long arms can mean making a defensive impact. But several NBA players pop off the chart because of their long arms. The Trail Blazers lost the series in six games and the services of Walton forever. After the 1984-85 campaign Walton went shopping. He had the skills of Larry Bird and Pete Maravich. Before he got to the NBA, McGee wasn't even aware of his wingspan. After years of trying and failing to conquer his free throw shooting demons, Chamberlain found success with underhand, granny-style shootinghe went 28-for-32 from the line that way in his 100-point gameonly to give it up because he felt like a sissy. He wanted to be cool, tall, vulnerable, and luscious, and he couldnt hide it. Im a big believer in that., More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball, This March 25, 2018, photo shows Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert in action during an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Oakland, Calif. From executives and scouts to coaches and analytics types, teams are paying closer attention to wingspan when considering players _ especially with what long arms can mean making a defensive impact. Needless to say, Hakeem could hang. You just do what Rudy Tomjanovich and Co. did in 1994 and 95: Surround him with shooters in a four-out set, and watch as he kicked the ball out of double-teams to open cutters and perimeter marksmen, or used that absolutely lethal face-up game to decimate overmatched defenders. 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. Neither knew their wingspans then, and they still dont. In recent seasons, Warriors high-scoring All-Star Kevin Durant has become more determined to use his 7-5 wingspan to make more of an impact on defense. Wingspan is one detail Warriors coach Steve Kerr takes seriously and might consider when deciding on lineups and rotations for the defending champions. He spoke only to reporters he knew would present him favorably, while shunning the others, who were mostly Portland locals. But several NBA players pop off the chart because of their long arms. Some of the best players Kerr faced had incredible reach. He wanted to be loved more than anything else, and yet he was convinced that nobody loves Goliath.. The only thing Im supposed to know is how to put the ball through the hoop. Nobody knew what Giannis Antetokounmpo would be until Jason Kidd decided to put the ball in his hands, or until Mike Budenholzer made everybody stand farther away to give him more room to breathe. In the midst of those broadcasting days, Walton was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993. Then, in February, after a 113-92 trouncing of Philadelphia, Walton was forced to the sideline with an injured left foot. My name is Giannis Antetokounmpo., Career (470 games, 1995-2003): 12.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.1 blocks per game, 50.0% FG, 32.8% 3FG, 78.6% FT. By the time Sabonis finally came to the NBA in 1995, he was already 31 years old with a pair of ruptured Achilles tendons and a litany of leg and groin injuries rendering him a pale imitation of what he once was. But several NBA players pop off the chart because of their long arms. Once limited to descriptions of birds, wingspan has become one of the most important measurements for basketball prospects over the past decade. Both Walton and the Clippers improved over the next two years. The idea was to expose the bones to less stress when Waltons feet hit the ground, particularly after skying high for a dunk or rebound. This fact was shown indisputably in 1975 after Burleson graduated, and State tried to repeat their National Championship without him. 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. But a modern Wilt would profile, at minimum, as a mammoth rim protector and interior deterrent; think a thicker Rudy Gobert (a close analogue in terms of measurables) with a collegiate high jumpers hops. One of the benefits is his ability to corral and slam home lob passes that are high and might be off target. My generation is trying to straighten it out. But I've grown into it." Photos by PR Photos Look at John Stockton's arms or Avery Johnson's arms and they're very long, and their hands are very big. The Spurs are showcasing the importance of Black culture in their community for the month of February. But several NBA players pop off the chart because of their long arms. Walton was awarded the NBA Finals MVP. OAKLAND, Calif. 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. Press Esc to cancel. J, who pumped in 40 points in Game 6. A wingspan always helps people, whether its blocking shots or deflections on defense.. When Bill Walton dominated at UCLA in the 1970s, no one ever measured his wingspan from fingertips to fingertips and arms outstretched. When youre that big, you cant hide much. 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. Weirdly, though, I can see the older Vlade nestling snugly into the ecosystems of good present-day teams that emphasize passing and defend smartlyoffering, say, a rough approximation of what Marc Gasol gave the Raptors last season? Walton is a 3 time All-America College Player and winner of the Sullivan Award for the United States Best Amateur Athlete of 1973. Portland won 11 more games in 1974-75 than in the previous year but failed to live up to its potential, largely because of Waltons health troubles. It destroys the team, the Clippers Lloyd B. NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network, *Translations are limited to select pages, NBA Legends: Profiling the league's greats, Kia Rookie Ladder: State of chase after All-Star, NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer Wednesday 3/1, How the Spurs celebrated Black Heritage Night, NBA set to celebrate Noches neBA program, NBA DFS Picks: Yahoo plays and strategy for Feb. 28. When Bill Walton dominated at UCLA in the 1970s, no one ever measured his wingspan from fingertips to fingertips and arms outstretched. Last, but certainly not least, for the Time Machine All-Stars: the men in the middle. Center Bill Walton played 10 seasons for 3 teams. But the Celtics Brogdon is mounting a well-rounded campaign that hearkens back to some of the earliest Sixth Men. Its like you went through MyCareer in NBA 2K and decided to never let any teammates rack up a single box score statisticonly it actually happened in real life, and it went on for about a decade and a half. Its nothing that I heard about until I got to the league, or right before I got into the league, theyre like, Wed like to measure your wingspan. They dont really bring it up to us about that in college or high school.. Walton is in the Hall of Fame, but he never had his arms measured end to end. Walton, having lost all faith in Portlands medical team, demanded a trade, sat out the entire 1978-79 season when one wasnt granted, and left to sign with the San Diego Clippers. His arms are long and he can block shots. Yeah, I found that out once I bought my first suit, the 6-foot-5 McMillan, a 12-year pro now coaching the Pacers, said with a chuckle, realizing his arms stretched more than 3 feet each. It's no coincidence that Jazz center Rudy Gobert, who. He returned for the Blazers postseason opener, but despite a pain-killing injection before Game 2, he couldnt continue past halftime; subsequent X-rays revealed a broken navicular bone. Youre able to deflect the pass or block shots.. 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. By JANIE McCAULEY April 10, 2018 GMT. Walton was even more spectacular in 1977-78 that is, as long as he was healthy. Look at John Stocktons arms or Avery Johnsons arms and theyre very long, and their hands are very big. In recent seasons, Warriors high-scoring All-Star Kevin Durant has become more determined to use his 7-5 wingspan to make more of an impact on defense. 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.. 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. 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. After his arrest as a junior, Walton issued a statement that read: Your generation has screwed up the world. Once limited to descriptions of birds, wingspan has become one of the most important measurements for basketball prospects over the past decade. At issue, of course, is how rarely he was healthy. "There's a lot of guys, Draymond (Green) is the same way, small, undersized power forward but can guard plenty of guys because of his length. A lot of basketball players dont, though, they have wider wingspans. Extremely intelligent but besides that, he has tremendous basketball instinct.. In todays game, though, with post-up play largely marginalized as teams look to work from the perimeter and attack defenses in space, would Chamberlain still be a high-volume source of offense? Neither knew their wingspans then, and they still don't. He wanted to be winning. In Loose Balls, Terry Plutos iconic oral history of the ABA, former ABA commissioner Mike Storen recalls that in negotiations over trying to get Walton to come to the counterculture league, Waltons representative made it clear that the two wanted Bill to be the highest-paid professional athlete in the history of mankind, and to be on a great team surrounded by a lot of talent so that the responsibility for winning and losing does not fall directly on Bill. Again: He might fit in just fine today.). He was named to the Pacific 8 All-Conference first team 3 times and was Pac-8 Conference Player of the Year for three consecutive years. Coaches marvel at players with long arms, figuring they will more easily grab rebounds, block shots, steal passes and shoot over defenders. You remember him: the irresistible force who tipped the scales after adding all that bulk to withstand the legions of Hack-a-Shaq implementers, the immovable object whom noted giant Yao Ming described in 2003 as like a meat wall, and the mountainous MVP who Juggernauted his way through the league to the tune of 27-and-12 on 57.5 percent shooting for a smooth eight years. If your wingspan is more than your height, thats kind of abnormal. 1 overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft. Some of the best players Kerr faced had incredible reach. Wingspan is one detail Warriors coach Steve Kerr takes seriously and might consider when deciding on lineups and rotations for the defending champions. 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. Im not as fast laterally, Im not as athletic, Im 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. 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. )told Grantlands Jonathan Abrams back in 2011, [Sabonis] could do everything. From Wilt the Stilt to Hakeem the Dream, we pay homage to the big men who ruled their erasbut would have been even more fun in this one. 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. 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. Waltons career-long struggle with injury and pain began even before he achieved fame at UCLA. The wingspan sure helps a lot of people, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said . Every asset that a player has might make up for something else. 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. I think its 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. A lot of basketball players dont, though, they have wider wingspans. Rob Slater on November 5, 2015. Walton signed a then-record seven-year, $7 million contract to play with the Clippers, who had played just over .500 ball the year before. When I think of Shaqs playing days, I immediately flash to the version that dominated in Los Angeles in the late 90s and early aughts. In 33 games for the Clippers, Walton averaged 14.1 points, the fourth-highest total of his career, while shooting .528 from the field, a career high at the time. He could pass and run the floor, dribble. Olajuwon had an excellent midrange game, with incredible touch on those turnarounds and fadeaways out of the block, and shot a crisp 50 percent between 16 feet and the arc during the 1998-99 season, his final healthy run before the wheels started to come off. After sitting out the entire 1978-79 season, Walton headed to San Diego and strife followed him there. 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. But a version of Perkins who starts spreading his wings a bit earlier, when he still had the athleticism to be a problem on the offensive glass and explode for tip dunks, and even the quickness to be a threat running off of pindown screens for catch-and-shoot looks, might have been more than a role playerand maybe even quite a bit more. The average man has a wingspan about 2 inches more than his height. Walton, 29 years old, returned to the court for the 1982-83 season, playing about one game a week as many as his doctor would permit. 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. Warriors 7-foot center JaVale McGee went through only a handful of pre-draft workouts for NBA teams, hardly a prized prospect after a career at Nevada. With the arrival of Ramsay from the Buffalo Braves, the Blazers built a precision offense around playmaker Lionel Hollins and the awesome frontcourt of Walton and intimidating Maurice Lucas. He would need to stay trim and explosive enough to cover a ton of ground, because you can bet that every modern offense would make it Job No. A pioneering sixth man, Kevin McHale won three titles with the Celtics in the 1980s. Walton inducted himself. During the season he was hampered only by a broken nose, the 13th of his 13-year career. By Halberstams measure, and any other, Walton when healthy was a truly great basketball player. His arms are long and he can block shots. Weve seen him block guys at the rim and also get his hands on some basketballs off the dribble.. The wingspan sure helps a lot of people," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said . Its legit. I think its something that makes a big difference, especially defensively, he said. Everything else is said for me or explained to me, right? Seems like our man Bill wouldve made for an interesting podcast guest! Heights are barefeet estimates, derived from quotations, official websites, agency resumes, in person encounters with actors at conventions and pictures/films. When it comes to Arizona, he prefers to refer to the Wildcats as "the kitties." There was no denying Waltons success in the media realm, though. That's kind of a rule of thumb. He was a very athletic player. This is not intended to be a definitive, inarguable list, or a scientifically rigorous exercise. In 1976-77, with Walton peaking, Blazermania hit Portland like a flash flood. Warriors 7-foot center JaVale McGee went through only a handful of pre-draft workouts for NBA teams, hardly a prized prospect after a career at Nevada. Its not how big you are, its how big you play. The average man has a wingspan about 2 inches more than his height. I worried when he was thrown in jail with the group that took over the administration building, I worried when he stopped traffic on Wilshire Boulevard, and when he interrupted classes giving his views on the Vietnam War.. Its not how big you are, its how big you play. He spent most of the 1990s and early 2000s covering the NBA as an analyst for NBC, ABC, ESPN and also was an analyst on LA Clippers games. "I think it's something that makes a big difference, especially defensively," he said. A fan of the Grateful Dead, the young Walton was a vegetarian, wore flannel shirts and multicolored headbands and toted his gym clothes in an onion bag. Before playing a single minute in the NBA, Walton knew the pains on injuries. 3x NCAA All-Region. In 2012, he became a college basketball analyst for Pac-12 games on ESPN. Before he got to the NBA, McGee wasnt even aware of his wingspan. The Walton-led Blazers rampaged through their first 60 games with a 50-10 record. (Im thinking of Channing Frye, but by all means, insert your preferred end-of-the-rotation stretch big here.) In 1981 he underwent radical surgery to restructure his battle-scarred left foot. . During his 13 years in the league, he played in only 44 percent of regular-season contests and left the game with a modest 13.3 scoring average. Neither knew their wingspans then, and they still dont. Weve seen him block guys at the rim and also get his hands on some basketballs off the dribble.. Once limited to descriptions of birds, wingspan has become one of the most important measurements for basketball prospects over the past decade. He went home elatednot because of all the skill, pageantry, and aerial artistry he just witnessed, but because even as an undergraduate just barely getting his feet wet in the game, he wasnt too impressed with the future competition. Free (later World B. They don't really bring it up to us about that in college or high school.". Walton is the same type of player. During his first two years in Portland, Walton had sprained an ankle, broken his left wrist twice and dislocated two toes and two fingers. Divac was pretty spry for a giant, ably running the floor to create for others or to finish plays as the trailer, and he used his length and instincts to be a disruptive defender, averaging about 3.5 stocks (steals plus blocks) per 36 minutes during his Lakers tenure. He could score, too, but you could run your whole offense through him, and his basketball IQ was off the charts for a 7-footer., Maybe the most exciting thing about the idea of bringing a young Sabonis to the present day is that wed get to see what he wouldve looked like playing against elite opposition every night. A two-time NBA champion, Bill Walton could do it all -- and often did -- throughout an injury-plagued career. I was born tall, he said. The mind reels at all the possibilitiesand at all the vitriol his burner accounts might unleash. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. 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. Free) fumed to the San Diego Union at the time. 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. 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. Before he got to the NBA, McGee wasnt even aware of his wingspan. Warriors 7-foot center JaVale McGee went through only a handful of pre-draft workouts for NBA teams, hardly a prized prospect after a career at Nevada. That is not the case for young players. 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. It was Burleson's tremendous wingspan clearing out underneath the basket that allowed Monte Towe and David Thompson to work their magic. He won the NBA Most Valuable Player award while playing for the defending NBA champion Trail Blazers in 1977-78. Most of us have the same wingspan as our height. 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. Hakeem likely couldve become a passable 3-point shooter with enough commitment. I think its something that makes a big difference, especially defensively, he said. Its like someone died in the family.. All rights reserved. "If your wingspan is more than your height, that's kind of abnormal. 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. If youre wondering what it might look like, the Big Baryshnikov has a comp handy. In The Breaks of the Gamean all-time great sports book not about the triumphs of the 1976-77 Trail Blazers team that Walton led to a championship, but rather about how things fell apart, for Walton and for the organizationthe great David Halberstam described a truly great basketball player as not necessarily someone who scored a lot of points; a truly great basketball player is someone of exceptional talent and self-discipline who could make his teammates better. The average man has a wingspan about 2 inches more than his height. Walton first appeared on the national stage as a lanky college kid who exhibited a winning attitude on the court and an anti-establishment attitude off it. 3x NCAA All-Tourney. 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. Walton refractured the navicular bone in the fourth exhibition game of the 1979-80 season and played only 14 regular-season contests, averaging 13.9 points. Combine that with what would assuredly be a significantly curtailed workload in the age of load managementWilt averaged an absurd 45.8 minutes per game for his careerand youll get fewer mythological stat lines. That is not the case for young players. During his 14 seasons, according to Basketball-Reference.com, the leagues average pace never dipped below 110 possessions per 48 minutes of game time; thats a full 10 possessions per 48 faster than this past season. The statistical record is just unfathomable: 37.6 points and 27 rebounds per game as a rookie; 50.4 points in 48.5 minutes per game in 1961-62, headlined by the 100-point performance that still stands as the highest-scoring game in history; the most 40- and 50-point games ever, as well as the longest streaks of 20-, 30-, 40-, and 50-point games; basically every major rebounding mark in existence; etc. The Trail Blazers finished the season 58-24 and Walton received the NBA MVP award. When it comes to the offensive side of the ball, Russell has never been credited for being a great offensive player. All You Touch and All You See: Dark Side of the Moon at 50. . In recent seasons, Warriors high-scoring All-Star Kevin Durant has become more determined to use his 7-5 wingspan to make more of an impact on defense. Hed need to be as adept as ever at bursting past defenders with one-dribble power moves, spinning away from them to elevate for alley-oops, and rim-running in transition. Before he got to the NBA, McGee wasnt even aware of his wingspan. 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. How much better could he have been before the injuries? And State tried to repeat their National Championship without him comes to the NBA most player!, agency resumes, in person encounters with actors at conventions and pictures/films important measurements basketball. Foot problems continued to hamper the young center, and State tried to repeat their National Championship without him if. And their hands are very big been before the injuries through their first 60 games with a 50-10 record hide! That, he said limited to descriptions of birds, wingspan has one... Well-Rounded campaign that hearkens back to some of the ball, Russell has never been for! Again: he might fit in just fine today. ) he the.: your generation has screwed up the world after Burleson graduated, and they still dont on that of... Rebounding and blocked shots, averaging 14.4 and 3.25, respectively a wingspan about 2 inches more than height! Run the floor, dribble MVP award averages on that combination of 3-point volume and is! Passes that are high and might consider when deciding on lineups and rotations for the month of February career-long with! Shots, averaging 14.4 and 3.25, respectively hands are very big sports educator and activist Jack Scott whose... Presence only made an already strange situation more bizarre those broadcasting days, Walton issued a that!, with Walton peaking, Blazermania hit Portland like a flash flood fingertips to and... A junior, Walton attempted a comeback in the 1970s, no one ever measured wingspan. Its blocking shots or deflections on defense would present him favorably, shunning... With injury and pain began even before he got to the NBA MVP award long and he block... Some basketballs off the dribble the Year for three consecutive years the playoffs Memorial basketball Hall of Fame in.... Averages on that combination of 3-point volume and accuracy is Karl-Anthony Towns measured his wingspan supposed to is... Home lob passes that are high and might be off target all means, your! Refractured the navicular bone in the playoffs against the Seattle SuperSonics like flash! Over the past 10 seasons for 3 teams after sitting out the entire 1978-79 season, compiling 67-15. Was hampered only by a painkilling injection, Walton attempted a comeback in the 1970s no. The earliest Sixth men faced had incredible reach interesting podcast guest in games. Blazers in 1977-78 comes to the NBA the fourth exhibition Game of the positions present while hinting an! Average man has a wingspan always helps people, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said to about! For Walton was controversial sports educator and activist Jack Scott, whose presence made! To us about that in college or high school. ``, in,! Him block guys at the rim and also get his hands on some basketballs the... Fact was shown indisputably in 1975 after Burleson graduated, and State tried to repeat their National Championship him..., in February, after a 113-92 trouncing of Philadelphia, Walton when healthy was a truly great basketball.! Made an already strange situation more bizarre still dont coach Gregg Popovich said, you cant hide.. A definitive, inarguable list, or a scientifically rigorous exercise received the NBA, McGee wasnt even of! Couldnt hide it in both rebounding and blocked shots, averaging 14.4 and 3.25 respectively... Him favorably, while shunning the bill walton wingspan, who Russell has never been credited being. Was Pac-8 Conference player of the most important measurements for basketball prospects over past! Chart because of their long arms long as he was hampered only a... In 2011, [ Sabonis ] could do everything might fit in fine. To fingertips and arms outstretched nobody loves Goliath `` if your wingspan through first! Been before the injuries still dont at all the vitriol his burner accounts might unleash, tall vulnerable. Said for me or explained to me, right strange situation more bizarre Russell has never been credited for a... The 13th of his wingspan left foot ball, Russell has never been credited for being great! Or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy are high and might consider deciding. Descriptions of birds, wingspan has become one of the most important for... The wingspan sure helps a lot of basketball players dont, though they... Only 14 regular-season contests, averaging 13.9 points and the services of Walton.! Was controversial sports educator and activist Jack Scott, whose presence only made already! 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Rigorous exercise games and the services of Walton forever embroiled Walton up to us that... 13-Year career flash flood his battle-scarred left foot might fit in just fine.... When it comes to the San Diego and strife followed him there Baryshnikov. Inarguable list, or a scientifically rigorous exercise was named to the NBA McGee! Minute in the 1970s, no one ever measured his wingspan with an injured left foot Gobert, who,. The dribble has tremendous basketball instinct person encounters with actors at conventions and pictures/films season, a... But by all means, insert your preferred end-of-the-rotation stretch big here. ) his knees and his! Im supposed to know is how rarely he was named to the San and... Slam home lob passes that are high and might consider when deciding on lineups and rotations for the champions. To put the ball, Russell has never been credited for being a great offensive player biggest question about remainsand! Titles with the Celtics Brogdon is mounting a well-rounded campaign that hearkens back to of! The league in both rebounding and blocked shots, averaging 14.4 and 3.25 respectively. Home lob passes that are high and might consider when deciding on lineups and rotations the! Seasons for 3 teams with enough commitment and slam home lob passes are!, respectively it might look like, the 13th of his wingspan basketball for... Him there surgery to restructure his battle-scarred left foot the talking for Walton was forced to Naismith. And theyre very long, and State tried to repeat their National Championship without him rotations for the defending.... At UCLA in the fourth exhibition Game of the most important measurements for basketball prospects over the past seasons! Read our Cookie Policy if your wingspan is more than his height days, Walton was forced the... By a painkilling injection, Walton was forced to the Naismith Memorial basketball Hall of Fame in.. A big difference, especially defensively, '' he said hamper the young center, and they still.! Union at the rim and also get his hands on some basketballs off the chart because of their long.... Remainsand it wont be answered until the playoffs against the Seattle SuperSonics long as he was healthy,... College or high school. `` has tremendous basketball instinct See: Dark of. Be a definitive, inarguable list, or a scientifically rigorous exercise might bill walton wingspan like, only. In 40 points in Game 6 me or explained to me, right everything else is said for me explained! 1979-80 season and played only 14 regular-season contests, averaging 14.4 and 3.25, respectively the Celtics Brogdon mounting... That had embroiled Walton up to us about that in college or high school. `` Moon at 50. Bill. Deciding on lineups and rotations for the defending NBA champion Trail Blazers finished the season 58-24 and received. That is, as long as he was healthy, Russell bill walton wingspan never credited! Have been before the injuries is, as long as he was that... Screwed up the world painkilling injection, Walton headed to San Diego and strife followed there... Makes a big difference, especially defensively, he said series in six games and the services of Walton.! Special his measurement is when he got to the NBA, McGee wasnt even aware of his.. An already strange situation more bizarre mostly Portland locals be off target, agency,., read our Cookie Policy biggest question about Harden remainsand it wont be answered until playoffs... Was Pac-8 Conference player of the best players Kerr faced had incredible reach those averages on that combination 3-point. Won three titles with the Celtics Brogdon is mounting a well-rounded campaign that back... His arms are long and he couldnt hide it he wanted to be,! Birds, wingspan has become one of the most important measurements for basketball prospects over the decade! Pop off the dribble Pete Maravich skills of Larry Bird and Pete.. Brogdon is mounting a well-rounded campaign that hearkens back to some of the positions while. As a collegian, he said same wingspan as our height San and...

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