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 received the first NBA Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2017 NBA Awards Show, but the first five words of his speech were the highlight of the night.
While most usually only mention the Celtics and Lakers when discussing the NBA from the 1950s and 1960s, the Hawks played a major role in that era as well and did something the Lakers never could.
The Boston Celtics opened a door when they named Bill Russell as their head coach in 1966. The first Black head coach in any North American pro sport, Russell led the Celtics to two titles as player-coach.
Why isn't Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell ever part of the GOAT conversation with his five MVPs and 11 championships?
Eleven-time NBA champion Bill Russell once told six-time champ Michael Jordan that his Celtics played in a better era than Jordan's Bulls.
Boston Celtics legend and NBA Hall of Famer Bill Russell has seen two of his former teammates pass away in the last two months.
Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal could barely stand each other. This is how they stopped fighting and became friends thanks to Bill Russell.
As any NBA fan can tell you, Bill Russell was an incredible defender. His stats, however, may be even greater than you'd think.
As any basketball fan can tell you, Bill Russell was one of the greatest players ever to hit the hardwood. The Boston Celtics big man wasn't just an amazing athlete, though. Some of his stories seem like the exploits of ‘the most interesting man in the world.' Take, for example, his famous battle with Wilt […]
During his time with the Boston Celtics, Bill Russell claimed 11 NBA titles. That legendary will to win was fueled, however, stemmed from experiences with racism.
