A new competitor is entering the alternative sports broadcasting scene. Hall of Fame basketball player and Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Bill Walton, known for his creative and often off-the-wall commentary, is adding his own flair to NBA telecasts.
The first episode of “Throw It Down with Bill Walton” will air Monday during the San Antonio-Portland game, only available on NBA League Pass through the NBA App. Walton, 70, will host a show every Monday for the next five weeks.
In an interview with the New York Post, Walton described his show in his characteristically eccentric manner: “‘Throw It Down’ will be like life. It will be like an incredible book. It will be a phenomenal concert. It will be an extraordinary basketball game. It will represent everything that’s good in life, in sports, the NBA business, in the world.”
Jason Benetti of Fox Sports will cover the play-by-play announcing. Benetti will be on hand at Walton’s San Diego home for the pilot, according to the Post. A wide range of guests from the worlds of sports, music, business and entertainment will appear on the show.
Phil Knight, the co-founder of Nike, and Hall of Famer Julius Erving are scheduled to join Monday’s broadcast.
The 1977-78 MVP called upon fans to show support in the NBA’s official press release, “Please help me throw it down as this volcanic eruption celebrates the best of life, nature, sport, the NBA and everything else. We promise to blast through the real, imaginary and self-imposed limits of the known universe and beyond.”
