Blazers to Pay Tribute to Bill Walton in Home Game vs Pistons

The Blazers will make sure the former MVP gets the tribute he deserves.

May 28, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres observe a moment of silence for San Diego Icon Bill Walton who past away on May 27th, 2024 before a game against the Miami Marlins at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images / David Frerker-Imagn Images

The Portland Trail Blazers have a clear best player in franchise history. They only have one NBA championship to celebrate, and it's because of Bill Walton.

Walton won an MVP with the franchise in 1978 and led them to a championship the year before in 1977. He is the reason why Portland was able to win that title.

He wasn't just a great player for the Trail Blazers, either. He won another title with the Boston Celtics as the sixth man on that team. In fact, he won a Sixth Man of the Year award in Boston.

Read more: West Rival Could Target Blazers Center in Trade This Offseason

The Trail Blazers' legend tragically passed away at the age of 71 last May. He is still the the best player in franchise history all of these years later.

Portland has been trying to figure out when they are going to honor him. They have finally chosen a date for that tribute.

The Trail Blazers will be honoring Walton on Sunday in a game against the Pistons, they announced on social media.

Some legendary 🔥 for your 📲

We honor the great Bill Walton on Sunday, March 9, at our home game against the Detroit Pistons. 🌀 pic.twitter.com/lA0PjgTm8P

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) March 5, 2025

Walton deserves the best tribute possible. Once Walton left the Blazers, they weren't good again until Clyde Drexler came along and helped lead them back to the NBA Finals.

They still haven't come close to winning another title since Walton left Portland. Even though Drexler led the team to the Finals, they had to play Michael Jordan and the Bulls.

Walton wasn't just a great player, though. He was a very entertaining broadcaster and a good person, too. He was beloved by all kinds of people.

More Trail Blazers news: Blazers' Anfernee Simons Listed as Offseason Trade Target For East Playoff Team

The Trail Blazers are trying to make a late push to make the playoffs. They have won five of their last six games as they chase the tenth spot in the Western Conference.

It would certainly be nice for them if they could beat Detroit on Sunday and keep that run going on a night when they honor their best player. That would be the most fitting tribute of all.

In his career, Walton averaged 13.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game.

More Portland Trail Blazers news: Former Blazers Lottery Pick Meyers Leonard Announces Retirement From Basketball

Blazers' Jerami Grant Could Join Deandre Ayton in Being Ruled Out vs Celtics

For more news and notes on the Portland Trail Blazers, visit Portland Trail Blazers on SI.