The 2024 NBA Finals are underway and before the game even tipped off, a piece of merchandise captured the attention of basketball fans everywhere.
No, it wasn’t the Finals edition jerseys with a bright gold patch that helped set the scene for the championship stage.
Instead, it was the Celtics warmup shirts that had everyone rushing to online sporting goods stores — only to find they weren’t available for purchase.
MORE: How Celtics honored Bill Walton ahead of 2024 NBA Finals
Take a look at Boston’s trending shooting shirts below.
NBA fans urge Nike to sell Celtics’ Bill Walton warmup shirts
Boston wore special edition tie-dye Nike Bill Walton shirts during warmups in Game 1, honoring the Hall of Famer who passed away from cancer at the age of 71 on May 27.
Walton only spent the last two years of his NBA career with the Celtics but he will forever be remembered as a franchise legend for his contributions to the 1986 championship team.
Walton was loved by hoops fans everywhere for his passion for the game. He was endeared for his quirky personality and sense of humor that he continued to relay as a broadcaster following his playing career.
Since Walton truly was adored by all, Boston’s tie-dye warmup shirts were a hit regardless of which team you root for.
The Celtics come out in the Bill Walton tribute shooting shirts 💚 #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/eYSekXvIxL
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) June 7, 2024
NBA fans were beside themselves when they went to online marketplaces and they weren’t for sale.
That was an awesome Bill Walton tribute and Celtics wearing these awesome shirts….need one….NBA should sell them and donate proceeds to Bill’s favorite charities pic.twitter.com/j7hX5IV9gf
— Wu Tang is for the Children (@WUTangKids) June 7, 2024
It is unknown if the NBA, the Celtics or Nike plan to make these shirts available for purchase. Check back for updates as they become available.
MORE: Biggest takeaways from Game 1 of the NBA Finals
Celtics tribute to Bill Walton
In addition to the shooting shirts, the Celtics also had Walton’s family in attendance for a touching video tribute to honor Walton’s illustrious playing career.
The Celtics honor the life and legacy of Bill Walton before tipoff ☘️ pic.twitter.com/qoGTXq0mHc
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) June 7, 2024
Boston also gave out awesome tie-dye Walton pins to media members, coaches and arena staff.
Celtics giving out Bill Walton pins tonight pic.twitter.com/PdnMx3Ah2b
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) June 6, 2024
It was a nice touch by both the Celtics organization and the NBA to pay tribute to one of the most universally loved players in the history of the game on the biggest stage basketball has to offer.