Bill Walton Collection thrills fans, attracts big dollars at Hunt Auctions
Basketball legend Bill Walton used to say, “The fans have made me the luckiest guy in the world.”
Walton made many of his fans feels like “the luckiest guy in the world” June 12 when memorabilia from his historic basketball career netted several big sales at Hunt Auctions, including several six-figure sales.
The Bill Walton Collection, consigned by his family, featured many basketball and other artifacts from the college and NBA career of the legendary and colorful Basketball Hall of Famer. A portion of the proceeds go to the Orthopedic Department of the University of California San Diego.
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The live online auction attracted bidders from across the United States and several other countries.
Walton famously led John Wooden’s UCLA Bruins to two national championships and an 88-game winning streak enroute to three NCAA Player of the Year awards. The No. 1 pick in the 1974 NBA Draft, Walton led the Portland Trail Blazers to the 1977 NBA Championship and won NBA MVP in 1978 and later helped the Boston Celtics win the 1986 NBA title. He was named to the NBA 50th and 75th Greatest Player anniversary teams and inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Walton's basketball legacy was matched by his vibrant post-playing career as one of the game’s most entertaining and insightful TV broadcasters, earning an Emmy award for his work. Walton also devoted himself to countless philanthropic endeavors and was recognized as one of the most loyal fans of the iconic band the Grateful Dead, attending more than 850 shows and becoming a member of the Grateful Dead Hall of Honor.
“On behalf of the entire Walton family, I would like to thank Hunt Auctions for their over-the-top, awesome job of organizing Bill’s memorabilia,” Walton’s wife, Lori, said. “Bill loved all of the items in the auction and I know that he is beaming down on us filled with joy that his possessions are now with his fans. Bill used to always say, ‘The fans have made me the luckiest guy in the world.’
“Because of the kindness and generosity of the auction bidders, we are also pleased to make an auction-related donation to UC San Diego Health in honor of Dr. Steven Garfin. In 2008, Bill underwent life-saving back surgery at UC San Diego Health and he credits his surgeon, Dr. Steven Garfin, for his remarkable recovery. Thank you again to everyone who participated in the auction—your support was the perfect way to honor Bill and celebrate his unique life. … Love’s real, not fade away.”
“Bill Walton stood as a titan in the history of the game of basketball.” said David Hunt, president of Hunt Auctions. “We were honored to present Bill Walton’s personal collection, which is one of the most important of its type to have been offered at public auction. The prices achieved clearly reflected Bill’s legacy as a beloved figure, both on and off the court.”
Auction highlights include:
• 1977 Bill Walton Portland Trail Blazers NBA Championship ring: $188,000.
• 1973-74 Bill Walton UCLA Bruins game-worn jersey: $258,500.
• 1972 and 1973 Bill Walton UCLA Bruins NCAA Championship rings: $88,125.
• 1986 Bill Walton Boston Celtics NBA Championship ring: $95,175.
• Bill Walton Hall of Fame Induction ring: $26,437.
• Bill Walton NBA 50 Greatest Players ring: $23,500.
• 1977-78 Bill Walton Portland Trail Blazers game-worn jersey (MeiGray): $131,012).
• 1971-72 Bill Walton James Naismith NCAA Player of the Year trophy: $17,625.
• 1977-78 Bill Walton NBA Most Valuable Player award: $176,250.
Grateful Dead highlights:
• Grateful Dead autographed, stage-used Zildjian cymbal $29,375.
• Grateful Dead autographed stage-used drum head for $30,155.
• Unique Tipi from Bill Walton’s residence $35,267.