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
Bill Russell and Jerry West were rivals on the floor, but Russell only wanted to see The Logo find happiness.
Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell's rivalry extended off the court as well, as Russell needed to make sure he was making more money.
Hall of Fame centers Shaquille O'Neal and Alonzo Mourning went 1-2 in the 1992 NBA Draft, and O'Neal's citation of Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell sparked an individual rivalry that lasted for years. However, the two became friends after Mourning recovered from a near-fatal kidney disease and won a ring with Shaq in Miami.
Bill Russell was a no-nonsense head coach in the NBA. He once kicked his whole team out of a practice because they made him fall asleep.
Bill Russell was quite stingy when it came to signing autographs during his playing days.
Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain battled hard on the court and were close off it. But according to Wilt, Bill was a lousy house guest.
Bill Russell rode off into the sunset after winning his 11th and final ring in 1969, but he still took the time to praise Jerry West.
Chris Bosh showed love for Bill Russell as one the NBA's all-time greats, but mentioned the lack of talent he faced at the time.
During his playing days, Boston Celtics center Bill Russell said basketball was “the most shallow thing in the world.”
Bill Russell had all the physical skills to become a Hall of Famer, but his biggest tool was his mind.
