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[Saba Sports News] Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle recounted one of his favorite memories of the late Bill Walton. The NBA announced Walton’s death after a long battle with prostate cancer, prompting tributes from fellow Hall-of-Famers like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Julius Erving.
Carlisle, Walton’s former teammate on the Boston Celtics, credited the UCLA alum for a key part of his life—his relationship with his wife, Donna. Speaking before Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Carlisle shared the story during a press conference at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
“I have him to thank probably also for me being married to my wife Donna,” Carlisle said.
“Our first date was to a [Grateful Dead] show in Washington D.C. I called Bill in 1987 and said, ‘I’ve got a date with a girl that I think is pretty cool. Would love to go to the Dead show. I don’t have any tickets. Can you help?’ He said, ‘Just go to the back door. Ask for Dennis McInally. Tell him you’re Rick Carlisle from the Boston Celtics and everything will be just fine.’”
Carlisle received two all-access passes under Walton’s name. He and Donna watched the show from the stage and met the band during the intermission. The date went so well, thanks in part to Walton’s help, that Rick and Donna Carlisle have been married since 2000.
Walton, a massive Grateful Dead fan, credited the band for shaping him as both a player and a person. Known as one of the greatest centers of all time and an NBA MVP, Walton was also remembered for his exceptional character.