In those 1977 Finals, Julius Erving was in his prime and yet there is no question in my mind that Bill Walton was far and away the best player on the court in that series. The way he dominated that series was a sight to behold. Truly - a sight to behold. A textbook performance for how to play the center position.
Walton was very good in that series and won the finals MVP, but Maurice Lucas from his own team was by far Portland's leading scorer and Erving was by far the leading scorer in the series. Philly just had no one inside to match up with both Walton and Lucas.
I don't think Who would argue that Walton was ever the most important scorer on his team, because he wasn't. He was the best defender, rebounder and leader on that team that was a phenomenal passer who could also be very efficient with his scoring and give you a constant 15-20PPG. He was that team's heart and soul. His BBIQ and ability to play an almost picture perfect center position were irreplaceable for that team.
Sound like any modern day Celtic you know who played PF in 2008 and center now?
I don't disagree, I was just objecting to the notion that Walton was far and away better than Erving. I just don't find that to be true. Erving was every bit as good as Walton was, Erving just didn't have a Mo Lucas on his team like Walton did. That was the point I was trying to make, though reading my post it probably wasn't that clear.
Didn't Dr. J go for 40 points in the final game of that series?
Yeah, he was amazing in that game.
But by the same time, that playoff season Walton led the league in playoff rebounds, defensive rebounds, blocks, defensive rebound %, block %, defensive rating, defensive win shares and assists while averaging 18.2/15.2/5.5/3.4/1.1(points/rebounds/assists/blocks/steals). This was my first real long term look at Dr J and I got the feeling like I did when seeing MJ throw down 63 against the C's in the playoffs in 86'. I felt like yeah this guy is special, but the game was still about dominant big men at the time and I still felt Walton was by far the best player in that season and post season and that series, the same way I felt about Bird in that 86 season.