Larry Bird shared how Bill Walton's health was crucial to the iconic 1986 Celtics team: "That year he played 80 games for us"

Larry Bird shared how Bill Walton’s health was crucial to the iconic 1986 Celtics team: “That year he played 80 games for us” originally appeared on Basketball Network.

One of the most celebrated teams in the NBA, the Boston Celtics, enjoys a global following. Home to legends like Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, the Cs have built a strong heritage. They also hold the crown for most championships at 18.

Addressing the different eras of the franchise, one cannot help but mention the iconic 1986 lineup. Coming off a Finals loss to the Lakers, the Celtics were hungry for revenge, adding Bill Walton into the mix. That said, there were serious concerns over his ankle and foot injuries.

Ironically, Walton ended up playing a career-high 80 games during the 1985-86 season. Stepping in as a reserve, he averaged 7.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.3 blocks on 56.2 percent shooting from the field. As a result, he was named 6th MOY.

In a Q&A session with Michael D. McClellan, Larry Bird talked about the 1986 Celtics squad and how Walton proved to be a game-changer.

“Bill was a big addition for us, and everyone knew how talented he was. We also knew his history with injuries, so there were a lot of unknowns. Luckily, Bill was relatively healthy that year. We started off hot that season and were able to keep it up right through to the Finals. That year he played 80 games for us, and we were able to win a lot those games. Bill was a big part of our success,” Bird concluded.

The 1986 Celtics team was special

Entering the 1985-86 season, Boston had a stacked roster comprising Bird, Ainge, McHale, Parish, Walton and Dennis Johnson. Coach K.C. Jones and crew finished the season with the best record in the league at 67-15, including 40-1 at home.

Entering the playoffs, the Celtics swept the Bulls in the first round, which was followed by defeating the Hawks in the semi-finals and sweeping the Bucks in the ECF. Collecting their 16th NBA title, the Cs defeated the Rockets in six games in the Finals.

Bird played all 82 games, clinching his third league MVP and second Finals MVP. He was also named the Associated Press Athlete of the Year.

Walton wished the Celtics’ days lasted forever

A Hall of Fame career cut short by injuries, Walton played 10 seasons in the NBA, collecting almost every major accolade possible. Unfortunately, the 6’11” center could not reach his true ceiling, courtesy of constant injuries that derailed his prime to a certain extent.

Nevertheless, the 1985-86 season was a rare case, with Walton playing 80 of the 82 games. The same year, he won his second championship as well. He only wished his Celtics days could’ve lasted forever. Talking to sports writer Dan Shaughnessy, who was writing the book, Larry Bird Celtics of the 1980s, Walton reminisced about his time in Boston.

“You cannot overemphasize in your book how much fun this was. It was better than perfect. Everybody couldn’t wait to get to practice every day. Everybody couldn’t wait to get to the airport, to get on the bus, to get to the games. It was just such a joy. It was what you dream about, and I wish it lasted forever,” Walton told Shaughnessy.

Struggling with injuries in the following years, the 1985-86 season will always hold a special place for Walton.

This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 11, 2025, where it first appeared.

Larry Bird shared how Bill Walton’s health was crucial to the iconic 1986 Celtics team: “That year he played 80 games for us”

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