Walton's hilarious. He's not serious about 95% that comes out of his mouth. It's a hell of a lot better than all the announcers who take themselves so seriously. Walton's really spoofing the profession... and is having a whole lot of fun.
I like his credentials. And I think he is one of the most pro-Houston commentators there is! You kidding me? Just look at a tool like Tom Tolbert who obviously has some trendy bias problems alot like Marv Albert, while Walton is at least even with his exagerations for both teams. He just seems like a guy who likes talking about basketball, he's not an idiot. The man was one of the best at his position, how can he not know basketball? There's many idiots on TV discussing basketball but Bill Walton isn't one of them. Maybe I just have a better sense of humor than most, but I love listenign to the guy. And what happened with Steve Kerr is unfortunate but the guy is about as much a racist as Mr. Freakin Rogers.
I love Walton. Some people just don't get the fact that he's sarcastic or exaggerating. He's been a Yao fan since day 1 and always been extremely complimentary and respectful of Hakeem. People that think he's anti-Hakeem or anti-Yao are morons, don't actually listen to what he's saying, or just hate him so much that they ignore what he's saying
Anyone who's read Bill Walton's columns and listened to his commentary would realize that he is one of the few, the very few, who puts Hakeem at the top of the list for all-time centers. Considering he used to be one of the great centers (for a few years in college and the pros, anyway) and played against the likes of Kareem, Mo Malone, etc., I've never had a problem with Walton. He's a huge Hakeem, Drexler, and Rudy fan- this is obvious from the many compliments he's bestowed on them over the years. In one of his columns, he mentioned that the Rockets were a personal favorite of his because of their history of great big men (Malone, Olajuwon mainly). I don't know, all commentators have biases. I mean, really, do we expect Sean Elliott to say anything negative towards the Spurs? If I were him, I'd sure be hesitant about it. I think there were many posters who were talking about how bad the Rockets were being slammed by the announcers for the Grizzlies, but once I took off my rose-colored earplugs and actually listened to them, they were quite complimentary of the Rox.
steve kerr is good. i remember one night the spurs won a 70-60 kind of game, and tim duncan had you know 18 points, 28 rebounds or something ridiculous like that, and steve kerr was like: "you know it kind of reminds of my little girl's games at the YWCA, nothing's going in and the tallest girl gets all the boards, and tonight, Tim was the tallest girl." that was funny
From the few games I have heard them on, I like both Kerr and Walton. I also like Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith. Not the same, but I cannot stand this Stuart Scott guy and some other ESPN dude whose name I have forgotten. Some white guy who always tries too hard to be funny, but isn't.
I, too, couldn't stand the man. But the more I listened to him, the more I came to appreciate him. He doesn't suck up to the players and sugar-coat his criticisms, and that's kinda jarring in media-driven sports. Walton is harsh, but he's pretty dang fair, too. And surprisingly funny.
You either like him or hate him. I think to like him you have to understand his shtick. The way he calls the game is in "hyperboles" much of the time and tries to make comments that are just for entertainment purposes. He also loves the "big man" game and ususally will side with the big guys on things. You can't take what he says too seriously. He is not an "Xs and Os" type of analyst such as a Doug Collins or Hubie Brown. He is more for "entertainment" purposes. He makes me laugh much of the time and there are times I think he is crazy.
Actually, he was a heckuva center. IMO he was the best ever -- during the brief time he was healthy. He was that good. As an announcer he is a platitudinous puss without credibility due to his diarrhea of the mouth. However, he is inoffensive in his intent, whatever that means.
i also used to absolutely hate Walton. now he's my favorite commentator. his hyperbole and dry wit absolutely crack me up. as far as his slant on the Rockets goes, i think he's one of our biggest fans and always has been. before Akeem, he loved Moses and Big E. and he's always mentioned Calvin as one of the best scorers in "the history of the NBA!" that brings us to Akeem. i'm willing to bet that he mentions Akeem at least once in 95% of ALL his broadcasts, not just Rockets games. the guy all but worships him (and rightfully so.) anyway, if you hate him now, you might have a change of heart after about 100 more games. sit back and enjoy. just wait 'til he's gone and see what we're left with then...
Walton just likes to crack on anyone that makes a mistake...o problem there...most of us do that a dozen times a day about a team that we are supposed to be fans of. He has a weird sense of humor...and sometimes beats a joke into the ground, which can be irritating...but for the most part he does respect Dream, and too many times have I heard him praising Yao for his play when he is playing right... just because someone criticizes Yao for making mistakes does not make him a hater...anymore than some of you are haters for constantly cracking on other players who shall remain nameless.. either you love him or you hate him...there is no middle ground
I, like DaDakota, didn't like him but now I do. Even on boneheaded plays like that fast break, he can make me smile with some dry whitted humor.
Bill Walton is an idiot. He is #2 on my most hated list, right behind Dick Vitale (However you spell his name).
Alright for a few years i had NBA league pass and Bill Walton does the Clipper games all of the time.. Well i used to watch clipper games just to here him talk some crazy ****.. he is just a mere image of his true self on national tv.. watch clipper games then tell me you honestly hate the guy. but about dick vitale.. i used to honor the guys knowledge and things he brings to the table but now he is in his decline in life.. it prolly isnt him thats bad but his age which is getting to him
Since Hubie is gone, Walton is my favorite commentator. The art of exaggeration. I love it. Very humorous. I think Sean Elliot is excellect as well. Both are very bright guys who know the game.
I hate watching games when BW is commentating...He just plain sux... He is totally biased and talks up the winning team...I guess your suppose to do it, but maybe not so obviously...
