Bill Russell
The greatest champion in NBA history, Bill Russell basically was the Boston Celtics throughout his playing career, which lasted from his rookie season in 1956-57 to his final year in 1968-69.
During those 13 seasons, Russell established himself as one of the greatest defenders in basketball history while making 12 All-Star teams, winning four rebounding titles, earning MVP five times, and collecting a record 11 NBA championships.
Russell spent his entire career in Boston and was a pioneer both on and off the floor before making the Hall of Fame in 1975. He also served as a player-coach for Boston and became the first Black coach in NBA history, as well as the first Black coach to win a championship. In 2011, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama for his accomplishments as a basketball player and his work in the civil rights movement.
Russell died on July 31, 2002, at 88 years old.
- Birthday: Feb. 12, 1934
- Died: July 31, 2022
- Birthplace: Monroe, Louisiana
- Listed height: 6-foot-10
- Listed weight: 215 pounds
- High school: McClymonds High School (Oakland, California)
- College: San Francisco (1953-56)
- NBA draft: Round 1, Pick No. 2 in the 1956 NBA Draft
- NBA team: Boston Celtics
- NBA position: Center
- NBA number: No. 6
- NBA playing career: 1956-69
Boston Celtics majority owner Wyc Grousbeck said there will never be another Bill Russell.
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Bill Russell's number six will be retired across the entire NBA. While that's a fitting honor, the late legend would probably say that it's not necessary.
Bill Russell sealed the Boston Celtics' eighth straight title with a 25-point, 32-rebound effort in Game 7 of the 1966 NBA Finals.
Michael Jordan has an incredible NBA resume, but he match Bill Russell's success. The Celtics legend wasn't afraid of letting him know that, either.
Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams touched on a few topics when he spoke with Sports7 on Thursday.
While Shaquille O'Neal always possessed plenty of basketball talent, he wouldn't be the person he is today without Bill Russell.
If winning championships is the ultimate goal, why isn't Bill Russell the NBA GOAT thanks to his 11 rings?
Kobe Bryant credits Bill Russell for helping him win two championships with the Lakers.
Before he burst onto the NBA scene, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had an unforgettable encounter with Bill Russell.
