Bill Walton: The NBA Legend Who Played Drums for the Grateful Dead and Changed a Coach's Life

Rick Carlisle, former teammate of Bill Walton, shared a heartwarming story about how Walton helped him secure tickets to a Grateful Dead concert, leading to his first date with his future wife.

As tributes poured in following the news of Bill Walton's passing at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer, Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle shared a fond memory that went beyond their NBA championship triumph together with the Boston Celtics in 1986.

Carlisle, who was deeply touched by Walton's enduring friendship, revealed that Walton played a pivotal role in his romantic life. Recalling a time when he had recently met his future wife, Donna, Carlisle was desperate to impress her with tickets to a Grateful Dead show, Walton's beloved band.

With trepidation, Carlisle reached out to Walton for assistance, explaining his predicament and asking for tickets. Walton's response was unwavering: "Just go to the back door, ask for Dennis McNally, tell him you're Rick Carlisle from the Boston Celtics and everything will be just fine."

On the night of the concert, Carlisle followed Walton's instructions meticulously, much to his future wife's amusement. To their delight, they were greeted with two all-access laminates, one with Bill Walton's name and the other with Susie Walton's.

Walton's generosity extended even further. During the concert break, they wandered backstage and stumbled upon Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, and Mickey Hart. Walton effortlessly introduced Carlisle and his date, resulting in an unforgettable 15-minute conversation with the legendary musicians.

"It was an unbelievable night," Carlisle recounted, his voice filled with gratitude. "Obviously, it was a good first date."

Beyond his basketball prowess, Carlisle revered Walton for his zest for life and his transformative impact on those around him.

"To me, he was a living, breathing event in history just walking around," Carlisle said. "He played drums for the Grateful Dead at the Pyramids in Egypt. He was a guy who did everything and there’s been a lot of talk today about how he speaks in hyperbole, but he just defiantly competed for every moment in life to be the greatest it could possibly be."

Carlisle's poignant tribute captured the essence of Bill Walton's extraordinary spirit, a man who not only excelled on the basketball court but also touched lives in immeasurable ways.