Richard Jefferson to Honor Bill Walton in NBA Finals Debut

Los Angeles, CA — Richard Jefferson, 44, will debut as a broadcaster for the NBA Finals in 2025, a moment infused with emotion as he remembers his late mentor, Bill Walton. Jefferson, whose professional basketball career ended in 2018, is now part of ESPN’s top broadcast crew.

Jefferson’s relationship with Walton dates back to the late 1990s. Walton’s son, Luke, was Jefferson’s college teammate at the University of Arizona. Their close friendship helped to forge a strong bond between Jefferson and the Walton family. “To have my best friend’s dad be like, ‘I know what happens in college, the NBA, and broadcasting,’ was a blessing,” Jefferson shared on Mark Jackson’s podcast.

This upcoming broadcast is particularly meaningful for Jefferson as he steps into the role just over a year after Walton’s passing from colorectal cancer on May 27, 2024. “The part that makes me most emotional is the last player to win and call a championship was Bill Walton, who was my OG,” Jefferson said on ESPN’s ‘NBA Today.’ He reflected on how Walton was like a father figure to him.

Walton, who played in the NBA from 1974 to 1988, won championships in 1977 and 1986. He also had a successful broadcasting career, enhancing ESPN’s coverage of the NBA Finals during his time. Jefferson’s commentary will carry a sense of personal loss and tribute, connecting his championship experience to Walton’s influence.

As the 2025 NBA Finals approach, fans can expect Jefferson to weave personal anecdotes and insights about Walton, adding a unique emotional layer to the coverage. His debut not only marks a significant step in his broadcasting career but also serves as a heartfelt homage to a mentor who shaped his journey in basketball.