Walker tried to repay the debt later as they crossed paths on the West Coast when Walker was a 10-year NBA veteran, and later as an NBA head coach and assistant. Birden spent his adult years in San Francisco and was a regular at NBA games when Walker came to Golden State.
The article from WholeHogSports.com, published on March 23, 2025, reflects on the legacy of Robert Birden, a notable figure in Arkansas basketball during the 1970s who has largely faded from public memory. Birden, known for his exceptional athleticism and scoring ability, played a pivotal role in Arkansas basketball history, particularly remembered for his performance in the 1974-75 season where he averaged 19.6 points per game. Despite his contributions, including leading the team to significant victories and being part of the team that ended a long NCAA Tournament drought, Birden's name is often overlooked in discussions of Arkansas basketball greats. The commentary highlights his journey from a high school star in Little Rock to a college standout, his brief professional career, and his life after basketball, emphasizing the need to remember and honor figures like Birden who have shaped the sport's history at Arkansas.