Product Description

For more than 20 years, Bill Walton has been one of the National Basketball Association's greatest and most outspoken players and commentators. Now, the NBA Showtime host sounds off on his own turbulent career, other players, and the cutthroat world of the NBA.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1435382 in Books
• Published on: 1995-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 272 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Former Portland Trailblazers and Boston Celtics star Walton offers an outspoken look at professional basketball.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
In recalling the highs and lows of his career, Walton has plenty to choose from, both on and off the basketball court. The standout center played on two college and two professional championship teams while garnering a slew of awards. On the downside were the nagging foot injuries that hampered his play, his less-than-pleasant parting with the Portland Trailblazers, and his refusal to compete in the 1972 Olympics. On private matters Walton is more restrained, particularly when discussing the revolutionary image he appeared to have adopted in his younger days. Nonetheless, his overall observations on the game reflect the same intensity and enthusiasm he brought to the court. For popular collections. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 10/1/93.
- William H. Hoffman, Ft. Myers-Lee Cty. P.L., Fla.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Walton is one of the of the great coulda-beens in sports history. If injuries hadn't destroyed his career, he might have been the greatest player of all-time--no, we're not forgetting Michael, Magic, Larry, Russ, or Wilt. In his only two relatively healthy NBA seasons, Walton was on championship teams. In Portland in 1976-77, he was the key player; in Boston (1985-86), he was the top reserve. Walton is now a basketball commentator for NBC television, and, inevitably, he has authored what is, in some ways, a typical jock autobiography. There are lots of game accounts and humorous anecdotes about "that funny thing that happened at practice that time." What separates the book from its competition, though, is the same thing that separated Walton from his opponents on the court: the passion and honesty with which he approaches the game. Walton had a love affair with basketball, and the intensity of that affair translates to every page of this book. The frustration he experienced with his numerous injuries is gut-wrenching, and the crisis he underwent when he realized he could never play again comes across as akin to the death of a loved one. Equally vivid is the description of the relationship Walton has shared over 20 years with his coach at UCLA, the venerable John Wooden. This isn't quite in the same league as such classic hoop autobiographies as Bill Bradley's Life on the Run or Bill Russell's Go Up for Glory, but it's damn close. Wes Lukowsky

Customer Reviews

Incoherant rambling. Not a book.
Wow. I finished reading this book last night and I'm still in shock and awe that such a worthless piece of crap was published. The book isn't an autobiography. It's merely a bunch of rambling opinions given by Bill on a variety of basketball-related topics. There is no mention of Bill's early life, his high school career, or his family. The book isn't organized in any obvious way, and contained several typos and grammatical errors, which wouldn't be found in a serious publication. I found myself glossing over many parts of this book, simply because Bill repeats himself over and over. What was especially annoying was that he constantly refers to John Wooden as "John Wooden," when everyone else is referred to by their first name. For example, Larry Bird is referred to as Larry, after first mention, which is normal in an informal book like this. But, after being mentioned five thousand times, John Wooden is still John Wooden, as if readers would confuse the legendary coach with a different John who coached at UCLA for over 30 years. What a freaking retard Bill is! I got this at the library. I refuse to spend any more time on this. Have fun with it.

50 greatest player ever!!! NOT LOSER!!! JUST GIVE HIM A SEAT ON THE BENCH???LOL loser!!!!
Just give this Crippled, RedHead,Orphan annie, Eric Stolz ROCKY DENNIS LOOKALIKE idiot a place on the bench!!!What a bunch of MORON loser PORTLAND,BOSTON and SAN DIEGO clippers fans their are in this world??? What MORONIC Sports writer in his right-mind would pick this SORRY CRIPPLED IDIOT to be 1 of the 50 best players of all-time just because he won 2 NBA Titles WOW Big F#@$in Deal.When Real Talent gets passed up LIKE A 9 time ALL-STAR like D.Wilkins Over 25,000 points no nba titles But Won a title over SEAS and then came back to the UNITED STATES and play for the SPURS and MAGIC and could still DUNK at 35 plus years of age.Its like KAREEM told the kid in AIRPLANE (Kid you try DRAGGING Walton up and down the floor for 48 mins EVERYnight??????LOL (BECAUSE thats the ownly way he could get his CRIPPLED A$$ on and off the bench was to DRAG his ASS with his CRUTCHES)LOL This book SUCKS A$$

Maybe more like 3.5 stars
Bill Walton has lead an interesting life, an ideal life for autobiographical purposes. He has always been reflective and opinionated. He has always marched to the beat of his own drum. He was also one of the greatest collegiate basketball players. He very well could have become one of the greatest pro players, too, if not for continual foot problems. Still, he managed to win 2 NBA titles.
Walton discusses all of these things in his book. Unfortunately, he also leaves a lot out of this book. Not much is said about his private life. Not enough is said about the Patty Hearst incident. Perhaps most important for a basketball autobiography, not enough basketball stories are told.
Walton discusses his love and admiration for legendary coach John Wooden. He also talks about Larry Bird and Kevin McHale. Still, Walton played with so many great players and characters, I expected more interesting stories. Walton is known for doing his own thing, yet at too many points in this book, he comes off as restrained. That is the real shame of this book.
Overall, basketball fans will enjoy the book. To be honest, I ended up being a bigger fan of Walton after reading it. You will probably gain a bit of respect for him along the way as well or at least you will enjoy the journey.