Hi there! Today, we’re going to dive into the life of Bill Walton, a basketball legend.
From his college days at UCLA to his incredible NBA career, Bill’s journey is filled with amazing achievements and personal milestones.
Let’s explore his relationships, career highlights, and the personal details that make him such an iconic figure.
Bill Walton’s Life and Legacy: Key Highlights
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Wives | Susie Guth (married 1979, divorced 1989); Lori Matsuoka (married 1991-present) |
| Children | Four sons: Adam, Nathan, Luke, and Chris Walton |
| Championships | 4 Total – 2 NCAA (1972, 1973) with UCLA; 2 NBA (1977 with Portland Trail Blazers, 1986 with Boston Celtics) |
| Career Duration | 13 seasons in the NBA (1974-1987) |
| College | UCLA (1970-1974) |
| Career Stats | NBA: 13.3 PPG, 10.5 RPG; College: 20.3 PPG, 15.7 RPG |
| Jersey Number | 32 (Retired by UCLA and Portland Trail Blazers) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $20 million (at the time of passing in 2024) |
| Residence in Portland | Wallace Park neighborhood, NW Quimby Street |
| Marriage Duration with Lori | Over 30 years (since 1991) |
Who is Bill Walton’s Wife?
Bill Walton has been married twice. First, he married Susie Guth in 1979. They had four sons: Adam, Nathan, Luke, and Chris.
Susie supported Bill during his early NBA career and helped him through many injuries. Sadly, they divorced in 1989 after 19 years together.
In 1991, Bill married Lori Matsuoka. Lori, who is of Japanese ancestry, is known for her philanthropy, community involvement, and love for animals.
They met at a Grateful Dead party, a band they both loved. Lori has been a rock for Bill, especially during his health battles.
They’ve been married for over 30 years and live in San Diego, staying active in local charities and events.
How Old is Bill Walton’s Wife?
Lori Matsuoka’s exact age isn’t publicly known, but she’s estimated to be in her late 50s to mid-60s.
She was likely in her 30s or early 40s when she married Bill in 1991.
Over the years, Lori’s often seen at public events and basketball games, always supporting Bill.
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How Did Bill Walton Meet His Wife?
Bill and Lori met at a Grateful Dead party. They bonded over their love for the band’s music.
Bill, a lifelong fan of the Grateful Dead, says their music helped him through tough times.
Meeting Lori at that party led to a wonderful lifelong partnership.
How Long Has Bill Walton Been Married?
Bill and Lori have been married since 1991, so it’s been over 30 years now.
Their long marriage shows their strong support for each other and their shared interests.
They’ve faced many challenges together, including Bill’s health issues, but they’ve stayed strong.
Lori’s dedication to philanthropy has also inspired Bill to get more involved in charitable work.
How Many Championships Did Bill Walton Win?
Bill’s career is filled with championships:
- Two NCAA Championships with UCLA in 1972 and 1973: Bill was key in these victories, leading the team to undefeated seasons. John Wooden, his coach at UCLA, said, “Bill Walton was one of the most dominant players I have ever coached” (ESPN Interview).
- One NBA Championship with the Portland Trail Blazers in 1977: Bill was the Finals MVP. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, his former teammate, called Bill a “warrior on and off the court” (The New York Times).
- One NBA Championship with the Boston Celtics in 1986: Bill’s role as a key bench player helped secure the title.
How Many College Championships Did Bill Walton Win?
Bill won two NCAA championships with UCLA in 1972 and 1973.
Both seasons, the team was undefeated under Coach John Wooden.
Bill’s 44-point game in the 1973 title match against Memphis State is legendary, showcasing his incredible talent.
Where Did Bill Walton Live in Portland?
While playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, Bill lived in the Wallace Park neighborhood in northwest Portland.
His house was on NW Quimby Street, near Wallace Park. He loved the community and often participated in local events.
Despite his injuries, Bill’s impact on Portland and the Blazers remains significant.
How Long Did Bill Walton Play in the NBA?
Bill’s NBA career lasted 13 seasons from 1974 to 1987.
Even though injuries limited his playing time, his skill and resilience left a lasting mark on the game.
He experienced great highs, like leading the Blazers to an NBA championship, and tough lows due to injuries.
His perseverance earned him a spot in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Where Did Bill Walton Go to College?
Bill went to UCLA from 1970 to 1974, becoming one of the best college basketball players ever.
He led the Bruins to two national championships and set many records, including a 44-point performance in the 1973 NCAA title game.
His dominance at UCLA laid the groundwork for his future NBA success.
What Are Bill Walton’s Stats?
Here are some impressive stats from Bill’s career:
- NBA Career Stats: 13.3 points per game, 10.5 rebounds per game over 13 seasons. These stats show his scoring ability and dominance as a rebounder.
- UCLA College Stats: 20.3 points per game, 15.7 rebounds per game, leading to two national championships. His college stats highlight his offensive and defensive skills, making him one of the most dominant college players ever.
Who Are Bill Walton’s Children?
Bill has four sons with Susie Guth: Adam, Nathan, Luke, and Chris.
Luke followed in his father’s footsteps, enjoying a successful NBA career and winning two championships with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Luke once said,
“My dad taught me not just about basketball, but about life”
(Luke, Sports Illustrated).
The Walton family is close-knit and shares a deep love for basketball.
What is Bill Walton’s Net Worth?
When Bill passed away in 2024, his net worth was about $20 million.
He earned this from his NBA career, broadcasting roles, and endorsements.
Bill’s success on and off the court shows his talent and ability to turn his basketball career into many opportunities.
His broadcasting career added significantly to his wealth.
Bill Walton’s Jersey Number
Bill is best known for wearing the number 32.
He wore it at UCLA and with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Both UCLA and the Trail Blazers retired his jersey number, honoring his contributions.
His number 32 represents his legacy and impact on basketball.
Conclusion
Bill Walton’s legacy is all about his talent, determination, and passion for basketball.
From dominating at UCLA to shining in the NBA, his journey is full of triumphs and challenges.
His personal life, marked by strong relationships and charitable work, adds to his remarkable story.
Bill Walton is an iconic figure in basketball, inspiring future generations with his achievements and resilience.
His story shows the incredible impact one person can have on the game and on the lives of those around them.
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