It is absolutely no secret at this point that former NBA big man Bill Walton is a national treasure. If anyone has had the pleasure of listening to Walton's commentary over ESPN college basketball games throughout the years — and most specifically, Pac-12 contests — they can immediately feel both his genuine love for the game of basketball and for life through the broadcast.

Definitely more than quirky at times, Walton continues to make people smile with the latest smile stemming from an autograph made out to a young child. Upon joining Chris Vernon of The Ringer for a recent interview, Walton was asked if he could sign a piece of paper for Vernon's son. Not only did Walton deliver, but he went the extra mile to write a one-of-a-kind message alongside his signature.

The 66-year-old is as lively as ever while his post-NBA career might be even more thrilling than his playing days.

Walton notably attended UCLA for his collegiate ball before suiting up for the Portland Trail Blazers, San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers, and Boston Celtics between 1974 and 1986. He finished his NBA career sporting averages of 13.3 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game while going on to appear in a total of 468 regular season games at the highest level. Despite starting just 117 of those outings, Walton still averaged 28.3 minutes per game for his career.

Walton, the former No. 1 overall pick from the 1974 NBA Draft, is also a former NBA MVP, NBA Finals MVP, and a two-time NBA champion.