Blazers to honor Hall of Famer Bill Walton in 2024-25 season

The Portland Trail Blazers will honor late Rip City legend Bill Walton with a band on their jerseys throughout the 2024-25 season, the team announced on Thursday.

Walton passed away on May 27 at the age of 71. All of Portland’s jerseys will feature a uniquely Walton tie-dye band along the top of the left side with his “32” number in white.

A legend as vibrant and memorable as Walton deserves a fitting band, and the unique band that will don Trail Blazers jerseys this season accomplishes just that.

The organization will host a special Bill Walton Tribute Night on March 9 when the Detroit Pistons visit Moda Center. The night will feature special elements throughout to honor Walton and all his contributions to Rip City and the game of basketball.

As a Trail Blazer, Walton was a two-time NBA All-Star (1977 and 1978) and led the Blazers to the NBA Finals during the historic championship run in 1977. During his career, Walton earned the NBA Most Valuable Player award in 1978, was selected All-NBA First Team that same year and All-NBA Second Team in 1977. He was named to the All-Defensive Team in back-to-back seasons (1977 and 1978) and was awarded the NBA Finals MVP in 1977 for the Trail Blazers.

Inducted as a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993, Walton was also named to the Top 50 and Top 75 Anniversary Teams. His number 32 jersey was retired by the Trail Blazers in 1989.

As a broadcaster, he brought the game to life with rich and lively commentary that connected fans to the game in exciting and memorable ways.