Warriors News: Steve Kerr, Steph Curry share heartfelt tribute to the late Bill Walton

In today’s Dub Hub:

Golden State Warriors’ star Stephen Curry and head coach Steve Kerr paid heartfelt tributes to basketball legend Bill Walton, who passed away on Monday at the age of 71. Known for his larger-than-life personality and tremendous contributions to the game, Walton’s influence extended beyond his playing days with the Portland Trail Blazers and Boston Celtics. Kerr and Curry reflected on the moments they shared with Walton, highlighting the infectious positive energy the Hall of Famer brought whenever he walked into a room.

Kerr also shared his deep admiration for Walton through the unique bond formed during Walton’s visits to the Warriors, facilitated by his son, Luke Walton, who served as an assistant coach with the team from 2014-2016.

“Most of all, I will cherish getting to know him when he would visit the Warriors when his son, Luke, was on our coaching staff,” Kerr said in a statement on Walton’s passing. “His incredible energy, passion, love and zest for life was never turned off. Our hearts are broken today as we mourn Bill’s passing and grieve with his family.”

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Tuesday, May 28th:

Warriors News:

Kerr, Curry pay tribute to basketball icon Bill Walton, who died at 71 | NBC Sports Bay Area

After retiring from the NBA, Walton turned to broadcasting, something he never thought he could be good at — and an avenue he sometimes wondered would be possible for him, because he had a pronounced stutter at times in his life.

Turns out, he was excellent at that, too: Walton was an Emmy winner.

“In life, being so self-conscious, red hair, big nose, freckles and goofy, nerdy-looking face and can’t talk at all. I was incredibly shy and never said a word,” Walton told The Oregonian newspaper in 2017. “Then, when I was 28 I learned how to speak. It’s become my greatest accomplishment of my life and everybody else’s biggest nightmare.”

The last part of that was just Walton hyperbole. He was beloved for his on-air tangents.

How Davis believes he, Oakland helped shift vibe around Warriors | NBC Sports Bay Area

Davis went on to explain to Anthony that he and his teammates from that 2006-07 Warriors team helped change the narrative surrounding the organization, as did the city of Oakland and Golden State fans.

“There’s a transition period on every team that’s like lifespan or whatnot, and I always just consider myself like the dude who changed the energy,” Davis explained. “Whether I get credit for this s—t or not, whether we as a ‘We Believe’ team get credit for it, or Matt [Barnes] or Monte [Ellis] or Al [Harrington], all of us played a huge part of the ‘We Believe,’ but it was also Oakland. That s—t was jumping, you know what I mean?

“When I first got there it was already packed; they were just waiting for somebody to believe that we could win.”

Warriors expected to ‘actively shop’ Andrew Wiggins this offseason, according to The Sporting News’ Evan Sidery

1 Ambitious Trade Target for Every NBA Team | Bleacher Report

A package built around some combination of Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, multiple first-round picks and salary-matching fodder has the bones of a real offer. Will the Warriors be open to putting an ultra-aggressive bid for Markkanen, or anyone else, on the table? That’s a better question.

Few singular acquisitions can propel the Dubs back to dynastic heights. Markkanen isn’t one of them. But he’s a more palatable option than older stars—such as Kevin Durant or Paul George—who increase Golden State’s immediate title chances at the gargantuan expense of the future.

Markkanen just turned 27 in May. He most likely won’t be the face of a post-Stephen Curry Warriors squad. But he is young and talented enough to be a core member of it.

Draymond Green defends Steph Curry and Klay Thompson as the best backcourt in NBA history

NBA News:

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson and more pay tribute to Bill Walton | NBA

Hall of Fame center Bill Walton, a two-time champion at UCLA and in the NBA, a former No.1 overall pick, and one of the biggest personalities of the game, died on May 27 after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was 71 years old. Walton played 10 seasons in the NBA with the Portland Trail Blazers, LA Clippers and the Boston Celtics, averaging 13.3 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists. He earned Finals MVP after leading the Blazers to the 1977 championship and won another title with the Celtics in 1986. A two-time All-Star, Walton won the league’s Most Valuable Player award in 1978.

Walton retired from the NBA after the 1987-88 season. He turned to broadcasting where he became one of the most entertaining and eccentric color commentators for NCAA and NBA telecasts.

A beloved member of the NBA family, legends, current players and other members of the basketball community took to social media to pay tribute to Walton’s career and his many off-the-court contributions.

Celtics advance to the NBA Finals after sweeping the Pacers, 4-0

The Philadelphia 76ers Have a Golden Opportunity This Summer | The Ringer

And if a trade for a key player isn’t available to Philadelphia, then league sources expect the Sixers to target players on one- or two-year contracts, like the Indiana Pacers did with Bruce Brown last summer. Brown (along with other assets) was later dealt ahead of the deadline for Pascal Siakam, who helped guide the Pacers to the Eastern Conference finals. Brown’s deal featured a team option in the second season, a structure that enabled the Pacers to remain flexible, which is precisely what the Sixers would be looking for if they go this route. Then, using that hypothetical player’s salary and draft picks, Philly could be the team that trades for the next All-Star who becomes available.

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

Clippers rumored to have interest in Warriors’ point guard Chris Paul

Veteran point guard Chris Paul continues to defy Father Time after finishing his 19th NBA season last year as a member of the Golden State Warriors. Paul demonstrated his continued effectiveness on the court last season, averaging 9.2 points and 6.8 assists in a limited role off the bench. Meanwhile, his leadership and dedication to the team’s overall success have earned high praises from players and coaches, highlighting his invaluable presence off the court.

Paul’s contributions have garnered attention across the league, with notable interest from the Los Angeles Clippers, his former team. NBA insider Marc Stein reports that the Clippers have “interest” in reacquiring Paul if he were to hit free agency.

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