Bill Russell may not have had too much of an influence over today’s NBA fan base. But he was one of the biggest reasons why the NBA is what it is right now. For several years, the Boston Celtics legend kept things alive by dominating the floor with his outstanding skills. He is what you can call a traditional center as well. During his time, athletes of his stature were the ones who achieved great milestones and Russell was no exception.
Only a handful of players have stayed true to their franchise until the end of their careers. Bill Russell was selected No.2 in the 1956 NBA draft by the Boston Celtics. With them, he won 11 titles between 1957, 1959-1966, 1968, and 1969. He won five League MVP Awards, had 12 All-Star selections, and led the league in rebounding four times.
The 2017 NBA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient was inducted into the Hall of Fame and selected into all four league anniversary teams. He also coached the Celtics between 1966 and 1969. Russell went on to coach the Seattle Supersonics and the Sacramento Kings until 1988. Throughout his career, the legend was a human rights activist. He also spoke out against racism as he was a victim of it growing up.
Bill Russell had his jersey number retired shortly after his death
After a legendary stint as a player, Bill Russell stood close to the league despite being retired. He mentored players that approached him and maintained a solid relationship with his successors. Many players have come forth expressing how they felt about Russell and they have all claimed that he was a great human being.
Everybody probably even remembers the time he stood on stage and indirectly challenged Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, David Robinson, and a few others to a basketball game.
Unfortunately, Russell was laid to rest on July 31, 2022. He died at the age of 88 at his home in Mercer Island, Washington. His death was also something nobody expected to take place due to the impactful legacy he left behind. His death was announced by members of his family via social media. Today, the NBA recognizes him as the greatest champion that ever lived.
List of NBA players who won 4 MVP’s in the span of 5 seasons:
LeBron James
Bill Russell pic.twitter.com/8jihGIHYtt— Uncovering the Truth (@shendy456) July 15, 2023
Later in August 2022, the NBA announced that they decided on retiring No.6 league-wide in honor of his career. Bill wore the No.6 throughout his career with the Boston Celtics. LeBron James, another NBA legend announced that he will no longer wear No.6 in honor of the legend. James has had a couple of stints wearing the number and also ranks top two all-time in the league.