Look at John Stocktons arms or Avery Johnsons arms and theyre very long, and their hands are very big. In 49 playoff games he averaged 10.8 points and 9.1 rebounds. The average man has a wingspan about 2 inches more than his height. But I've grown into it." Photos by PR Photos Walton is in the Hall of Fame, but he never had his arms measured end to end. He played more than 70 games only once in 14 seasonsin the 1985-86 season, when he made 80 appearances as a reserve for the Celtics, winning Sixth Man of the Year on one of the greatest teams of all time. The cellar-dwelling Blazers had finished with the second-worst record in the league in 1973-74, and Portland fans were thrilled at the arrival of a potential franchise player. (Im thinking of Channing Frye, but by all means, insert your preferred end-of-the-rotation stretch big here.) I worried when he was thrown in jail with the group that took over the administration building, I worried when he stopped traffic on Wilshire Boulevard, and when he interrupted classes giving his views on the Vietnam War.. Ive always been tall. It destroys the team, the Clippers Lloyd B. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. His foot deadened by a painkilling injection, Walton attempted a comeback in the playoffs against the Seattle SuperSonics. it maybe is Bill a little closer and gaining more height, there's other shots they look closer in team photos, or just general photos. Its not how big you are, its how big you play. Many Clippers were outraged at the price the team had to pay to acquire the injury-plagued, 26-year-old Walton: forward Kermit Washington, center Kevin Kunnert, a first-round draft pick and $350,000. You remember him: the irresistible force who tipped the scales after adding all that bulk to withstand the legions of Hack-a-Shaq implementers, the immovable object whom noted giant Yao Ming described in 2003 as like a meat wall, and the mountainous MVP who Juggernauted his way through the league to the tune of 27-and-12 on 57.5 percent shooting for a smooth eight years. I decided it might be cool to write about some of these players. He wasnt just a lumbering giant, either: Chamberlain could sky to block shots and snare rebounds, and sprint the length of the court to fill the lane on the break. There was no denying Waltons success in the media realm, though. He was named to the Pacific 8 All-Conference first team 3 times and was Pac-8 Conference Player of the Year for three consecutive years. Waltons combative relationship with the press further sullied his image. Once limited to descriptions of birds, wingspan has become one of the most important measurements for basketball prospects over the past decade. I think its something that makes a big difference, especially defensively, he said. Inspired by rule changes that allowed for zone defenses, easier double-teams, and more effective swarms of players holding the ball in the post, the game has moved away from just dumping the ball down to your big man on the block and letting him cook. Im a big believer in that., More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball, This March 25, 2018, photo shows Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert in action during an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Oakland, Calif. From executives and scouts to coaches and analytics types, teams are paying closer attention to wingspan when considering players _ especially with what long arms can mean making a defensive impact. I'm a big believer in that.". In todays game, though, with post-up play largely marginalized as teams look to work from the perimeter and attack defenses in space, would Chamberlain still be a high-volume source of offense? We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. Beginning with college games, with his outspoken nature fully blossomed, he became one of the best in the NBA. How Far Can This Version of James Harden Take the Sixers? He didnt often hear the term wingspan, finally understanding how special his measurement is when he got to the NBA. Career (468 games, 1974-87): 13.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.2 blocks per game, 52.1% FG, 66.0% FT. The Sixth Man award almost always goes to the NBAs highest-scoring bench player. It's no coincidence that Jazz center Rudy Gobert, who. Weight, Net Worth, Age, Parents, Wife & More Height October 19, 2022 How Tall Is Bill Walton?- Bill Walton is an American sportscaster and former professional retired basketball player. Grammy Award-winning singer John Mayer talks about the influence Basketball Hall of Famer Bill Walton has had on him during guest appearance on 'Throw It Down . Both Walton and the Clippers improved over the next two years. Walton enjoyed a blazing start as a rookie, averaging 16.0 ppg, 19.0 rpg, 4.4 apg and 4 bpg in his first seven contests. How Tall Is Bill Walton?- Bill Walton is an American sportscaster and former professional retired basketball player. He acted as a half-court offensive hub from the elbows and out of the post; as the last line of defense on the other end, he was an ace shot-blocker and defensive rebounder who looked for every opportunity to trigger a fast break and an easy bucket within the flow of the game. The NBA playoffs begin Saturday, and an extra inch of reach can lead to a blocked shot or steal that might alter a series or a season. His arms are long and he can block shots. It cant buy happiness, and I just want to be happy., Many who knew Walton, including Wooden himself, felt the young center was too susceptible to fringe ideas. Some of the best players Kerr faced had incredible reach. Money doesnt mean anything to me. From 2005, when he became a full-time starter for Jerry Sloan, through 2010, when he suffered the ruptured left Achilles tendon that would effectively end his career, Okur shot 38.7 percent from 3-point range on 3.7 attempts per 36 minutes; put him alongside a pick-and-roll maestro point guard now, and hed likely double that. NBA legend Bill Walton co-authored a byline explaining why one plot of land outside San Diego could be a way to help end the homeless crisis in the city. In 33 games for the Clippers, Walton averaged 14.1 points, the fourth-highest total of his career, while shooting .528 from the field, a career high at the time. Neither knew their wingspans then, and they still don't. That is not the case for young players. You look at size of hands, wingspans. For one: Decades before Shut up and dribble became a sociopolitical flashpoint, Walton was telling The New York Times In this society, they dont expect an athlete to speak for himself or to be able to lead his own life. Look at John Stocktons arms or Avery Johnsons arms and theyre very long, and their hands are very big. "I think it's something that makes a big difference, especially defensively," he said. 1 to play a stretch-5 against him to try to draw him out of the middle and keep him from walling off the paint, or run dozens of pick-and-rolls aimed at getting him switched onto guards and forcing him to defend in space. Divac was pretty spry for a giant, ably running the floor to create for others or to finish plays as the trailer, and he used his length and instincts to be a disruptive defender, averaging about 3.5 stocks (steals plus blocks) per 36 minutes during his Lakers tenure. My name is Giannis Antetokounmpo., Career (470 games, 1995-2003): 12.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.1 blocks per game, 50.0% FG, 32.8% 3FG, 78.6% FT. By the time Sabonis finally came to the NBA in 1995, he was already 31 years old with a pair of ruptured Achilles tendons and a litany of leg and groin injuries rendering him a pale imitation of what he once was. Walton is a 3 time All-America College Player and winner of the Sullivan Award for the United States Best Amateur Athlete of 1973. But a modern Wilt would profile, at minimum, as a mammoth rim protector and interior deterrent; think a thicker Rudy Gobert (a close analogue in terms of measurables) with a collegiate high jumpers hops. Bill Walton III. He cut his hair, started eating meat again, stopped hanging out with Jack Scott, trimmed his Lincoln-esque beard, and tried to mend fences with the press. A half-century ago, Pink Floyd unleashed a classic that still lingers on the Billboard charts and in college dorms to this day. Bill Walton #5 of the Boston Celtics in the Game 6 of the NBA Finals against . )told Grantlands Jonathan Abrams back in 2011, [Sabonis] could do everything. Last, but certainly not least, for the Time Machine All-Stars: the men in the middle. We got a brief glimpse at something like that about a decade agolest we forget, Shaq averaged 18-and-8 alongside Steve Nash for the Slightly Longer Than Seven Seconds Suns in 2008-09but by then, he was 36 and heavier, with more than 45,000 regular and postseason minutes on his body. Walton appeared in 80 games in 1985-86, 13 more than his previous career high. I was born tall, he said. At issue, of course, is how rarely he was healthy. You look at size of hands, wingspans. In fact, some of them might have translated even better to todays leagueand might have been even more enjoyable to watch in the 2020 NBA than they were in their heyday. At one time, they were long enough, and I can still put my own shoes and socks on, he quipped. In 1991, Walton won a Sports Emmy for best live television sports telecast and was named one of the top 50 sports broadcasters of all-time by the American Sportscaster Association in 2009. In 1981 he underwent radical surgery to restructure his battle-scarred left foot. In his best yearthe 2006-07 campaign, when he earned his first and only All-Star nodOkur averaged 18 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, shooting 38.4 percent from 3-point range on 4.2 attempts per game. Any time you think youre too small to make a difference in the world youve never spent the night alone in bed with a mosquito. After years of trying and failing to conquer his free throw shooting demons, Chamberlain found success with underhand, granny-style shootinghe went 28-for-32 from the line that way in his 100-point gameonly to give it up because he felt like a sissy. He wanted to be cool, tall, vulnerable, and luscious, and he couldnt hide it. Combine that with what would assuredly be a significantly curtailed workload in the age of load managementWilt averaged an absurd 45.8 minutes per game for his careerand youll get fewer mythological stat lines. The Trail Blazers finished the season 58-24 and Walton received the NBA MVP award. That is not the case for young players. It's no coincidence that Jazz center Rudy Gobert, who stands 7-1 and led the NBA in blocks last season, has the longest wingspan in the league at 7 feet, 9 inches. "I've always been tall. Off the floor I worried. The NBA playoffs begin Saturday, and an extra inch of reach can lead to a blocked shot or steal that might alter a series or a season. A daily sports newsletter delivered to your inbox for your morning commute. What Are the Characteristics of a Great NBA Sixth Man of the Year? And theyre able to get their hands on balls or shots or loose balls. The NBA's Noches ne B A celebration starts in March, where teams will commemorate fans and players across Latin American and U.S. Hispanic communities. Its much more important than your height, Kerr said. Yeah, I found that out once I bought my first suit, the 6-foot-5 McMillan, a 12-year pro now coaching the Pacers, said with a chuckle, realizing his arms stretched more than 3 feet each. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax Top NBA Duos, Bears No. Later, he admitted much of his aloofness or unwillingness to talk was due to a speech impediment, which he would later receive successful therapy for. Weve already covered point guard, shooting guard, small forward, and power forward. The statistical record is just unfathomable: 37.6 points and 27 rebounds per game as a rookie; 50.4 points in 48.5 minutes per game in 1961-62, headlined by the 100-point performance that still stands as the highest-scoring game in history; the most 40- and 50-point games ever, as well as the longest streaks of 20-, 30-, 40-, and 50-point games; basically every major rebounding mark in existence; etc. After the playoffs Walton demanded to be traded and accused Portland management with providing him poor medical treatment. "You look at size of hands, wingspans. When Bill Walton dominated at UCLA in the 1970s, no one ever measured his wingspan from fingertips to fingertips and arms outstretched. Before he got to the NBA, McGee wasnt even aware of his wingspan. But the damage was done: Hed only play 169 games between 1979 and 1985. But when I think about the prospect of Shaq playing nowwith more long and skilled big men to line up against, and fewer fellow kaiju roaming the painted area to batter him every time he catches the ballI wonder whether a Shaq who came along in 2020 might have been better served staying down around the 290 pounds of his salad days for a little longer. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. He was already in America, having come over from Nigeria to enroll at the University of Houston, and he went to a Rockets game. Walton, 29 years old, returned to the court for the 1982-83 season, playing about one game a week as many as his doctor would permit. Basketball was a sport where under optimal conditions a great player with considerable ego disciplined himself and became unselfish. (Walton had his share of ego too. Walton also used the time off to attend Stanford law school. Most of us have the same wingspan as our height. Every asset that a player has might make up for something else. It was Burleson's tremendous wingspan clearing out underneath the basket that allowed Monte Towe and David Thompson to work their magic. LDS Church wants to light up a temple in a place that prides itself on dark skies, For husband-and-wife team, this new restaurant is the culmination of a decadeslong dream. Bill Walton owns a house in San Diego, California where he currently resides with his wife and 4 sons. This is not intended to be a definitive, inarguable list, or a scientifically rigorous exercise. Portland fell to the bottom of the Pacific Division in 1975-76, though Walton started to come into his own, scoring 16.1 ppg, pulling down 13.4 rpg and demonstrating excellent passing skills from the low- or high-post in 51 contests. Olajuwon had an excellent midrange game, with incredible touch on those turnarounds and fadeaways out of the block, and shot a crisp 50 percent between 16 feet and the arc during the 1998-99 season, his final healthy run before the wheels started to come off. Its not how big you are, its how big you play. The staggering array of injurieswhich would require some three-dozen surgical procedures over the yearscost Walton three full seasons in what should have been his prime and kept him from ever experiencing the sort of professional success for which he seemed destined while starring for John Wooden. maybe one of the few cases of someone being around that 7ft mark and just saying 6ft 11. Its legit. I am not even joking; he did this during a Michigan State vs. North Carolina basketball game back in 2017. Also find all Bollywood Movie Information related to release date, Reviews, Web Series Information and celebrities, gossips, and entertainment news. I see opportunities that should be rejected, but it scores. While at UCLA in the early 70s, he was arrested during an anti-Vietnam War rally, publicly criticized Richard Nixon and the FBI, and reportedly flirted with leaving basketball to pursue spiritual enlightenment. He left the game with 6,215 points (13.3 ppg), 4,923 rebounds (10.5 rpg), and a .521 shooting percentage in 468 regular-season contests. In addition to the brawn he used to bulldoze his way to the basket, Chamberlain also flashed a soft touch on non-flush finishes, and was an early adopter of the fadeaway jumper that would become part of the repertoire of so many great low-post scorers in future generations: And while theres some dispute about just how valuable his passing was to his teams offensive performance, Chamberlain could facilitate with his back to the basket, finishing second in the league in assists in the 1967-68 season and turning in what remain the two highest assist-per-game averages of any center in league history: Context matters in a players development. That is not the case for young players. It's much more important than your height," Kerr said. Hakeem likely couldve become a passable 3-point shooter with enough commitment. Its much more important than your height, Kerr said. The explosive Russell Westbrook is 6-3, with a wingspan of 6-8, which helps him be one of the best rebounding guards in history. Durant, the reigning NBA Finals MVP , is quick to point out that his length allows him to make up for other areas, including being far leaner than most NBA players. According to Ramsay, I was speechless. He has been going with a center by committee based on matchups. Raised in France, Gobert kept growing from ages 15-19. The other? Portland's entire offense ran through him because he was such an exceptional passer for a center and he was a terrific defensive anchor. How much better could he have been before the injuries? If youre wondering what it might look like, the Big Baryshnikov has a comp handy. Raised in France, Gobert kept growing from ages 15-19. He called on two of the leagues premier teams, the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. I think its something that makes a big difference, especially defensively, he said. Walton first appeared on the national stage as a lanky college kid who exhibited a winning attitude on the court and an anti-establishment attitude off it. He could score, too, but you could run your whole offense through him, and his basketball IQ was off the charts for a 7-footer., Maybe the most exciting thing about the idea of bringing a young Sabonis to the present day is that wed get to see what he wouldve looked like playing against elite opposition every night. When he was healthy, Walton had few peers. I'm not as fast laterally, I'm not as athletic, I'm not as quick as guys up and down but I think I make up for it with my length," said Durant, a defensive player of the year candidate. OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Not until Nate McMillan began being fitted for custom-made suits a few years into his NBA career three decades ago did he understand just how far his arms reached. When Bill Walton dominated at UCLA in the 1970s, no one ever measured his wingspan from fingertips to fingertips and arms outstretched. After Game 2, X-rays showed that the navicular bone below Waltons left ankle was broken. One of the benefits is his ability to corral and slam home lob passes that are high and might be off target. And theyre able to get their hands on balls or shots or loose balls. How would the fresh-out-of-the-box version look? Some of the best players Kerr faced had incredible reach. Weight, Net Worth, Age, Parents, Wife & More. Decades before Shaquille ONeal ripped mics with Fu-Schnickens, the Dipper was out here crooning, dog. Those are my five, but theres always room for more time travelers, so lets hit a few honorable mentions: Vlade Divac (1989-2005): Bigs who can pass, forever and ever, amen. Its legit. In the book Basketball: A Love Story, Olajuwon describes the first time he saw an NBA game. His arms are long and he can block shots. 6-11 , 210lb (211cm, 95kg) School: UCLA (Men) Draft: Portland Trail Blazers, 1st round (1st pick, 1st overall), 1974 NBA draft. Yet each visit he made, among the first things measured was his wingspan, 7-6. Plus, a Salt Lake City Recap. But whats the legacy of the blockbuster album? But when you have the great game of basketball with all the ultimate winners of the genetic lottery its not how high you jump, its where you are and when you jump.. Wingspan is one detail Warriors coach Steve Kerr takes seriously and might consider when deciding on lineups and rotations for the defending champions. Warriors 7-foot center JaVale McGee went through only a handful of pre-draft workouts for NBA teams, hardly a prized prospect after a career at Nevada. Between 1993 and 2001, he fired up 5.0 long balls per 36 minutes of floor time, and cashed them in at a cool 38.2 percent clip. Before playing a single minute in the NBA, Walton knew the pains on injuries. (The arrangement was not unprecedented; Elgin Baylor squeezed in a game a week for the Lakers in 1962 while serving in the Army Reserve.) Theres a lot of guys, Draymond (Green) is the same way, small, undersized power forward but can guard plenty of guys because of his length. The only thing Im supposed to know is how to put the ball through the hoop. Waltons satisfaction with capturing his second championship and winning the Sixth Man Award was immeasurable. Any time you think you're too small to make a difference in the world you've never spent the night alone in bed with a mosquito. A wingspan always helps people, whether its blocking shots or deflections on defense.. Give a young Wilt a steady diet of reps as a creator in the half court and more space to work with, and who knows what alternate pathways to dominance might open? Walton signed a then-record seven-year, $7 million contract to play with the Clippers, who had played just over .500 ball the year before. He has been going with a center by committee based on matchups. But several NBA players pop off the chart because of their long arms. The wingspan sure helps a lot of people, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said . The idea was to expose the bones to less stress when Waltons feet hit the ground, particularly after skying high for a dunk or rebound. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Portland won 11 more games in 1974-75 than in the previous year but failed to live up to its potential, largely because of Waltons health troubles. William Theodore Walton III Twitter : BillWalton (Big Red, Grateful Red, Red Baron, Redwood, Chief) Position: Center Shoots: Right 6-11 , 210lb (211cm, 95kg) More bio, uniform, draft, salary info Hall of Fame 2x All Star 1976-77 TRB Champ 1976-77 BLK Champ 2x NBA Champ 2x All-NBA 2x All-Defensive 1976-77 Finals MVP 1977-78 MVP . Waltons career-long struggle with injury and pain began even before he achieved fame at UCLA. I would bring my length, I would bring my athleticness. The 76ers had a chance to pull out Game 6, but both Julius Erving and George McGinnis missed medium-range shots that would have sent the game into overtime. Type above and press Enter to search. After his arrest as a junior, Walton issued a statement that read: Your generation has screwed up the world. Im a big believer in that., More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball, This March 25, 2018, photo shows Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert in action during an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Oakland, Calif. From executives and scouts to coaches and analytics types, teams are paying closer attention to wingspan when considering players _ especially with what long arms can mean making a defensive impact. In an article in the Boston Herald, McHale said of Walton: You watch an old, old guy like that, with the most hammered body in sports, acting like a high school kid its both funny and inspiring at the same time. At the top of his form, Walton scored, passed, intimidated, hustled, and played the role of leader with the best centers of his day. The irony was not lost on many in the media, who 15 years earlier had grown to dislike the ornery version of the man who was now their compatriot. At 7-foot-3, the pre-injury Sabonis had the springs to tip-dunk all over The Admiral and swat shots from the weak side with reckless abandon, plus the touch to step out on the floor and drain NBA 3-pointers. In 1976-77, with Walton peaking, Blazermania hit Portland like a flash flood. It seems more likely that ONeal would still need to do the lions share of his damage within arms reach rather than suddenly developing a feathery touch from 23 feet. Position: Center. Other vital statistics like weight or shoe size measurements have been sourced from newspapers, books, resumes or social media. Durant, the reigning NBA Finals MVP , is quick to point out that his length allows him to make up for other areas, including being far leaner than most NBA players. That is not the case for young players. At his peak he averaged 18.6/14.4/3.6 with 52% shooting and was the best player on a championship team. The wingspan sure helps a lot of people, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said . If were going to wonder how Wilt Chamberlain would look in the 2020 NBA, we must also consider what the present might hold for Wilt Chamberneezy. But when you have the great game of basketball with all the ultimate winners of the genetic lottery it's not how high you jump, it's where you are and when you jump.". After sitting out the entire 1978-79 season, Walton headed to San Diego and strife followed him there. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. 1 Pick, and QB Movement Updates With Jeff Darlington. Yeah, I found that out once I bought my first suit, the 6-foot-5 McMillan, a 12-year pro now coaching the Pacers, said with a chuckle, realizing his arms stretched more than 3 feet each. Former American Basketball Player. I think hed do just fine now, too. Yet each visit he made, among the first things measured was his wingspan, 7-6. (Or, for that matter, pushed the sliders all the way up on his son Domantas Sabonis, an excellent modern player and All-Star in his own right. Walton inducted himself into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993. Look at John Stocktons arms or Avery Johnsons arms and theyre very long, and their hands are very big. Before he got to the NBA, McGee wasnt even aware of his wingspan. He didnt often hear the term wingspan, finally understanding how special his measurement is when he got to the NBA. He wanted to be winning. (Walton had played drums with the Dead at a show in Egypt, and he sometimes took teammates to shows and brought band members to team practices.). Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is nicknamed the Greek Freak in part because he stands 6-11 with a 7-3 wingspan and giant hands. Its legit. Then came the injuries. The former West Coast radical in lumberjack clothing found a home in the land of turtlenecks and penny loafers. Its no coincidence that Jazz center Rudy Gobert, who stands 7-1 and led the NBA in blocks last season, has the longest wingspan in the league at 7 feet, 9 inches. He stayed in shape by playing beach volleyball and tennis and by cycling sometimes with Grateful Dead drummer and close friend Mickey Hart. Chamberlain experienced fabulous success playing one way, fielded criticism from fans and pundits over it, and then just decided to play an entirely different way to prove a point. In his first and only All-Star Game appearance (he was selected in 1977 but could not play because of injury), Walton recorded 15 points and 10 rebounds in 31 minutes of play. If somebodys short, hopefully theyre quick. He is named to the NBA's 50th and 75th-anniversary teams. I would actually love to play in this NBA, he told Jackie MacMullan and Kirk Goldsberry. Career (1,045 games, 1959-73): 30.1 points, 22.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists per game, 54.0% FG, 51.1% FT. No player from the past feels harder to wrap your mind around than Chamberlain. Today, a prep prospect with Chamberlains physical attributes and skill would probably be given the green light to create at an early age, sanding off some of the rough edges in his ball handling and footwork. Neither knew their wingspans then, and they still dont. Meg and Spanners also discuss Aston Martins positive press focusing on Fernando Alonso and touch on Ferraris consistent performance. Walton is in the Hall of Fame, but he never had his arms measured end to end. At 7-foot-1 with a reported 7-foot-8 wingspan and 9-foot-6 standing reach, having starred at both 250 pounds as a lithe rookie and a muscular 300-plus pounds during his latter years with the. OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Not until Nate McMillan began being fitted for custom-made suits a few years into his . You guessed it: The one who turned the 1984 draft into prom night. Which Chicago mayoral candidate received the most votes in your ward? Id like to see him in the NBA, just to see how great hed be if he were pushed to the limit all the time.. Things didnt improve in Portland, as ankle and foot injuries (along with two separate broken wrists) cost him 78 games over his first two seasons. The controversies that had embroiled Walton up to this point were mild compared to what would follow. In an ESPN feature published earlier this year about the evolution of NBA big men, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said that if his notorious envelope-pushing team had ONeal on the roster, I would give him the ball 1,000 times, is my guess. Once he got it, keeping him from getting to the rimand from putting his man inside itwould be an awfully tall order, and would likely result in even more trips to the line for someone who averaged nearly 10 attempts per 36 minutes for his career. TV Schedule Home Bio Walton Gallery Wooden News Speaking Grateful Dead Duane Roth Best of Recently Book List Latest News TV Schedule PDF "It's nothing that I heard about until I got to the league, or right before I got into the league, they're like, 'We'd like to measure your wingspan.' The average man has a wingspan about 2 inches more than his height. Coaches marvel at players with long arms, figuring they will more easily grab rebounds, block shots, steal passes and shoot over defenders. In this blog, we will give the details about How tall is Bill Walton? As Bill Waltonwho knew a thing or two about how big men could dominate while still playing a team-first game (and whom well get to in a second! 'S something that makes a big difference, especially defensively, he became one of the leagues teams. 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