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UCLA Basketball: 15 best former UCLA basketball players who had the best NBA careers

By Ryan Kay

Dec 11, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Fan cutouts of Reggie Miller (left), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (center) and Bill Walton in the stands during the NCAA basketball game between the UCLA Bruins and the Marquette Golden Eagles at Pauley Pavilion. UCLA defeated Marquette 69-60. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Fan cutouts of Reggie Miller (left), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (center) and Bill Walton in the stands during the NCAA basketball game between the UCLA Bruins and the Marquette Golden Eagles at Pauley Pavilion. UCLA defeated Marquette 69-60. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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UCLA Basketball
Nov 12, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Bill Walton awaits the game between the Bruins and the Villanova Wildcats at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

. . . Bill Walton. 2. player. 518

Top three traits: Physical attributes, defensive skills, and shooting ability

Bill Walton won two NBA championships, one with the Boston Celtics and another with the Portland Trail Blazers. He was also an NBA MVP and a two-time NBA All-Star.

Bill Walton, known for his exceptional skills as a center, Walton achieved several accomplishments, received numerous honors, and garnered several achievements throughout his NBA tenure.

Walton won two NBA championships during his career. The first came in 1977 with the Portland Trail Blazers, and the second was with the Boston Celtics in 1986.

He was named the NBA Finals MVP in 1977 when he led the Trail Blazers to their first-ever championship. He averaged 18.5 points, 19.0 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 3.7 blocks per game during the finals series.

In 1978, Walton was honored with the NBA MVP award. He had a remarkable season, averaging 18.9 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game.

He was selected to the NBA All-Star Game twice in his career, in 1977 and 1978. He was a key contributor in both All-Star appearances.

Walton earned the NBA All-Star Game MVP honors in 1978, where he had a dominant performance, recording 21 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks.

In the 1985-1986 season, Walton received the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award while playing for the Boston Celtics. He played a crucial role as a reserve, providing valuable contributions off the bench.

Walton was selected to the All-NBA First Team twice in his career, in 1978 and 1979. He was also named to the All-NBA Second Team in 1977.

Walton was recognized for his defensive prowess and was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 1977 and 1978. He was an exceptional shot-blocker and a dominant force on the defensive end of the court.

NBA

His accomplishments, rewards, and achievements:

NBA Most Valuable Player: 1978
NBA Finals MVP: 1977
Two-time NBA champion: 1977 and 1986
All-NBA First Team: 1978
All-NBA Second Team: 1977
Two-time NBA All-Star: 1977 and 1978
Two-time NBA All-Defensive First Team 1977 and 1978
NBA rebounding and block leader: 1977
NBA Sixth Man of the Year: 1986
Named to the NBA anniversary teams for the 50th and 75th
No. 32 retired by Portland Trail Blazers: 1989

UCLA

Important Achievements and Accomplishments:

Key contributor to two NCAA Championship teams: 1972 and1973
Member of three Pac-8 Championship teams: 1972, 1973, 1974
Three-time All-American: 1972, 1973, 1974
Three-time National Player of the Year: 1972, 1973, 1974
Three-time Consensus first-team All-American: 1972–1974
Two-time NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (1972, 1973
UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame Member: 1984
#32 Jersey Retired: 1990

Career Stats while Playing at UCLA

Point per game: 20.3
Field Goal %: 65.1
Free Throw %: 64.2
Rebounds per game: 15.7

Before joining the NBA, Walton had an outstanding collegiate career at UCLA, where he won two consecutive NCAA championships from 1972 to 1972. He was also named the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player twice.

Basketball Hall of Fame: In 1993, Bill Walton was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the sport of basketball at both the college and professional levels.