PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Trail Blazers will wear a special band on their jerseys during the 2024-25 season to honor NBA and Blazers legend Bill Walton, who died earlier this year at the age of 71.
The band will have a tie-dye background with Walton's number, 32, 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 team said in a news release.
Bill Walton Tribute Night is March 9 at home against the Detroit Pistons. Fans are encouraged to "rock Bill's classic style" by wearing tie-dye to the game, the Blazers said. Fans in attendance will also receive a special tie-dye headband to wear. There will also be in-game tribute videos to Walton during the game. More details about the tribute night will be released at a later date, the team said.
Walton died of cancer on May 27.
After leading UCLA to two NCAA championships, Walton has drafted No. 1 overall by the Trail Blazers in 1974. Considered one of the best players in Blazers history, Walton led Portland to its lone NBA title in 1977 and was named Finals MVP. He won a second championship in 1986 with the Boston Celtics, his final full season in the NBA. Walton was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.
He was also beloved for his work as a sportscaster after his playing career and for his life-long work as an advocate for social and political issues.
