Clippers urged to retire Bill Walton's No. 32 jersey

In many ways, the late Walton put the Clippers on the map. After spending five injury-plagued years in Portland, he joined the then-San Diego-based franchise in 1979 on a seven-year, $7 million contract, the most lucrative deal ever signed. The move was instrumental in helping the franchise cap off its rebranding from the Buffalo Braves to the Clippers, a switch it made a year before Walton's arrival. 

Although Walton played only 47 games in his first two years in San Diego — the foot injuries resurfaced — he brought hope to a franchise trying to win over a market share of fans in Southern California. The San Diego native got healthier by his third and fourth year, appearing in 55 and 67 games respectively, as the Clippers won over 30 games and became more competitive. 

By 1984, the Clippers moved from San Diego to Los Angeles, a move Walton blamed himself for due to his injuries. That year, which saw Walton appear in 67 games, answered some questions about his durability and gave contenders around the league the confidence to take a gamble on him. Walton would choose the Celtics and capture his second NBA title in 1986 while winning Sixth Man of the Year.  

To this day, scores of fans in his hometown of San Diego cherish Walton despite his inability to stay healthy during his time in the city. Even the Clippers acknowledge his contributions to the franchise, which includes serving as their color commentator for 12 years between 1990 and 2002. 

Some have even admitted to watching Clippers games those years just to listen to Walton's commentary.  

Perhaps the time is right for the Clippers to retire the jersey of the player who put them on the map.