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Iconic Bill Walton Collection coming to auction at Hunt Auctions
When basketball Hall of Famer Bill Walton passed away in May of last year, he left behind a legacy as a two-time NBA champion, one of the greatest players in college basketball history, and as a popular broadcaster and fan of the game.
Walton’s legacy will continue as Hunt Auctions will offer Walton’s personal memorabilia collection.
The live online auction will take place in June and include memorabilia dating from Walton’s earliest athletic career spanning through his post-NBA career as a revered television broadcaster. The collection is being offered directly by the Walton family with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the
Walton became a dominant force in basketball, drawing high accolades as a young athlete playing in the San Diego area, including a streak of 49 consecutive victories during his two varsity seasons at Helix High School.
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Walton joined the UCLA basketball team in 1971 and led the vaunted program to consecutive 30-0 seasons, a record 88-game win streak and two NCAA national championships. He is one of only two players to receive three NCAA Player of the Year awards and is universally regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of college basketball.
The No. 1 pick in the 1974 NBA Draft, Walton led the Portland Trailblazers to the 1977 NBA Championship. Although dealing with a number of injuries during his career, he won the 1978 NBA MVP award and helped lead the 1986 Boston Celtics to his second career NBA title.
Walton was named to the NBA 50th and 75th Anniversary teams and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.
After his playing career, Walton became one of the most entertaining and insightful broadcasters in the game, winning an Emmy award for his TV 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. He was especially fond of having been recognized by the band as a member of the Grateful Dead Hall of Honor.
“We are pleased to be presenting this offering of Bill’s memorabilia to his many fans,” Bill’s wife, Lori Walton, said. “Bill’s career within the game of basketball spanned over five decades and through that time he was always so appreciative of the fans and people that supported him from his college days at UCLA through the NBA cities of Portland, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Boston.
“Our family has been blessed with many priceless experiences as a result of Bill’s basketball career. It is in the spirit of the support that fans displayed to Bill throughout those many seasons that we are sharing some of his memorabilia with that same group of special people. It is our wish that these items bring back cherished memories for the fans and I am so very grateful that the auction will also support a cause dear to Bill and me at the Orthopedic Department of the University of California San Diego.”
“Bill Walton stands as a titan in the history of the game of basketball.” Hunt Auctions President David Hunt said. “His dominance within the collegiate game ranks among the most elite players in its history earning a record-tying three NCAA Player of the Year Awards. Bill’s NBA legacy was equally impressive with two NBA titles, NBA MVP Award, and illustrious career as a highly decorated broadcaster. We are 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. Perhaps more impressively was Bill Walton’s dedication to others, which continues to be evident with a portion of the auction proceeds benefitting causes at the University of California San Diego.”
Highlights of the Bill Walton Collection include:
• 1977 Portland Trail Blazers NBA Championship ring.
• 1972 and 1973 UCLA Bruins NCAA Championship rings.
• 1986 Boston Celtics NBA Championship ring.
• Bill Walton Hall of Fame induction ring.
• NBA 50 Greatest Players ring.
• 1977-78 Bill Walton Portland Trail Blazers game worn jersey (MeiGray photo-match).
• 1971-72 James Naismith NCAA Player of the Year trophy.
• 1977-78 NBA Most Valuable Player Award
• Boston Celtics professional model jersey circa 1986-87.
• UCLA Bruins and Portland Trail Blazers game-worn sneakers.
The collection also includes hundreds of additional items in various categories, including: Grateful Dead related materials relating to Walton’s status as one of the most ardent followers of the iconic band; various awards and other ephemera from his UCLA and NBA playing career; and unique post-career materials, including broadcasting related items and Walton’s famed Tipi from his San Diego home.
For more information regarding the auction please visit huntauctions.com or call 610.524.0822.
