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Bill Russell, an iconic figure in Boston Celtics history, has died at 88 years old.
Introduction
On the 31st of July, 2022, the renowned NBA icon and historic player for the Boston Celtics, Bill Russell , passed away quietly at the age of 88. Russell served as the cornerstone of the Celtics' dynasty from the 1950s through the 1960s, leading the team to eight consecutive NBA championships and a total of 11 titles during his illustrious career in basketball, ultimately earning him a spot in the Hall of Fame.
Jeannine Russell , his wife, was by his side as he passed away peacefully. Arrangements for his funeral and memorial will be communicated in the near future.
Although the cause of death was not shared publicly, it was noted that Russell had been struggling with health issues. He had been residing in the Seattle, Washington area at the time and was unable to present the NBA Finals MVP trophy in June 2022 due to his prolonged illness.
"Beyond all the victories, it was Bill's awareness of the struggle for equality that illuminated his existence. From protesting a 1961 exhibition game to expose long-standing discrimination, to spearheading the first integrated basketball camp in Mississippi following the assassination of Medgar Evers, he was recognized for his decades of activism with the Presidential Medal of Freedom . Bill fearlessly challenged injustice, intending to shake the foundations of society, and his profound example continues to inspire collaboration, altruism, and meaningful change for generations to come.
"Jeannine, Bill's wife, along with his friends and family appreciate your prayers for Bill. You might find yourself reminiscing about some of his unforgettable moments, or remembering his distinctive laughter as he shared the true stories behind those occasions. We hope everyone can adopt Bill's unwavering dedication to principles, acting and speaking out with the same dignity and positivity. That would represent another significant victory for our beloved #6,\" read a statement that was released recently.
College Basketball Journey & Olympic Gold Medal Success
Over a remarkable 15-year span, beginning at the University of San Francisco , Russell achieved an extraordinary level of success unmatched by any athlete in American team sports. While at USF, he was honored as a 2-time All-American, secured back-to-back NCAA championships, and led the team to 55 consecutive wins. Additionally, he was part of the United States men's basketball team that captured a gold medal at the 1956 Olympics.
During his 13 seasons in Boston, he led the Celtics to the NBA Finals a remarkable 12 times, clinching the championship title 11 times, with the last two victories coming while he was both a player and serving as the NBA's first Black head coach.
"The essence of Bill Russell permeates every facet of the Celtics organization, from a relentless pursuit of greatness, to the celebration of collective achievements over individual accolades, and a dedication to social justice and civil rights beyond the court,\" the Boston Celtics stated in their public message. "Our thoughts are with his family as we mourn his passing while also celebrating his incredible impact on basketball, Boston, and the broader world.\"
NBA commissioner Adam Silver referred to Russell as "the greatest champion in all of team sports.\"
"I cherished my friendship with Bill and was elated when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom,\" Silver continued. " I often referred to him as basketball's Babe Ruth, for how he reached beyond time. Bill exemplified winning and was the ultimate team player, and his legacy will resonate in the NBA indefinitely.\"
The Legacy
A 5-time NBA MVP and 12-time NBA All-Star, Russell is often hailed as one of the best shot-blockers in the history of the game, managing to retain possession after many of his blocked shots and revolutionizing defensive tactics in the NBA. He concluded his remarkable career with 21,620 rebounds, averaging 22.5 rebounds per game, and led the league in rebounding for four seasons. Boston Celtics In one extraordinary game, Bill managed to pull down 51 rebounds, with 49 boards in two other games, and he recorded an impressive 12 consecutive seasons of accruing over 1,000 total rebounds. He also maintained an average of 15.1 points per game along with 4.3 assists throughout his impressive 13-year journey in the National Basketball Association .
Until Michael Jordan emerged in the 1990s, many regarded Bill as the greatest player in the history of the NBA.
"Bill Russell was a trailblazer -- as a player, champion, the NBA's first Black head coach , and a social activist,\" noted Jordan, who is now the chairman of the Charlotte Hornets. "He opened doors and set an example for every African American player who followed him, including myself. The world has lost a true legend. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, and may he rest in peace.\" Chicago Bulls Bill was awarded the Medal of Freedom by then-President Barack Obama in 2011, the highest civilian distinction in the nation. Furthermore, in 2017, he was honored with the NBA's Lifetime Achievement Award.
"Today, we mourn the loss of a giant,\" President Barack Obama expressed. " While Bill Russell's physical height was impressive, his legacy towers even higher -- as both a player and a humanitarian. He understood the ingredients of victory and the qualities of effective leadership better than most.\"
Bill and the Celtics demonstrated a dominating presence in the NBA Finals, seizing 10 championships in just 11 seasons and elevating professional basketball to uncharted levels of prestige.
During this journey, Russell completely transformed the game itself. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches, he showcased incredible agility, leading to unmatched shot-blocking efficiency and defensive strategies that powered a fast-paced offense unique to the Russell era.
In 1966, after winning eight consecutive NBA championships, head coach Red Auerbach decided to retire, naming Russell as his successor. This was considered a groundbreaking achievement, as he became the first Black coach of a major league team in any American sport. However, both Russell and Auerbach viewed this move strictly as the best option for success on the court, and over the next three years, Bill added two more NBA titles to his collection as a player-coach.
After claiming his 11th NBA championship in 1969 at the age of 35, Russell decided to retire. Over his 13 seasons in the NBA, the league expanded from eight to fourteen teams, and his Celtics teams consistently achieved championships without needing to defeat more than three rivals.
"If Bill Russell were to step onto the court today, equipped with the same skills and intellect from when he joined the NBA in 1956, he'd undoubtedly be the best rebounder in the league,\" stated Bob Ryan from the Boston Globe. "As an athlete, he was light years ahead of his contemporaries. He would win multiple championships, but not the 11 titles in 13 years, of course.\"
During the NBA season of 1959-1960, the entry of the 7-foot-1 Wilt Chamberlain as another powerhouse center altered the NBA landscape. Wilt averaged an astonishing 37.6 points in his rookie season. NBA playoff rounds On November 7, 1959, the Celtics faced off against Chamberlain's Philadelphia Warriors in a game dubbed "The Big Collision,\" and "The Battle of the Titans.\" Despite Wilt outscoring Russell 30-22, the Celtics triumphed with a score of 115-106, marking a "new dawn of basketball.\"
The encounters between these two legendary centers quickly evolved into one of the NBA’s most celebrated rivalries . One of the Celtics' championship victories was over Wilt's San Francisco Warriors in 1964.
Rivalry with Wilt Chamberlain
Although Chamberlain statistically outperformed Russell during their 142 head-to-head games, Bill was often seen as the superior player due to his team-oriented approach , which fueled his team's success. Philadelphia Warriors.
In the eight NBA playoff series that pitted Chamberlain against Russell, the Celtics emerged victorious in 7 of them. Bill earned 11 NBA championship rings , while Wilt secured only 2 titles.
In 1975, Russell made history by becoming the first Black player inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame , and in 1980, he was voted the Greatest Player in NBA history by the Professional Basketball Writers Association of America. His influence both on and off the court was profound, as he was not only recognized as one of the greatest players of all time but also as a pioneer for civil rights and equality. The loss of Bill Russell will be profoundly felt by many.
Bill Russell’s Basketball Career Accomplishments, Recognitions, & Awards
5 - Time Winner of the NBA Most Valuable Player Award (1958, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1965)
8 - Time All - NBA Second Team Honoree (1958, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1966, 1967, 1968)
Named to the NBA All - Defensive First Team (1969)
Player
- 11 - Time NBA Champion (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969)
- Recipient of the NBA Lifetime Achievement Award (2017)
- 12 - Time NBA All - Star Selection (1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969)
- NBA All - Star Game MVP Award Winner (1963)
- 3 - Time All - NBA First Team Selection (1959, 1963, 1965)
- Selected for the NBA Anniversary Team (25th, 35th, 50th, 75th)
- Jersey number 6 retired in honor by the Boston Celtics
- 4 - Time NBA Rebounding Champion (1958, 1959, 1964, 1965)
- 2 - Time NCAA College Basketball Champion (1955, 1956)
- The legendary Bill Russell of the Boston Celtics has passed away at the age of 88.
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- Bill Russell, the iconic figure of the Boston Celtics, has left us at the age of 88.
- On July 31, 2022, a true NBA legend, Bill Russell , passed away quietly at the age of 88. Bill was the cornerstone of the Boston Celtics dynasty during the 1950s and 1960s, leading the team to an impressive eight consecutive NBA championships, and ultimately securing a total of 11 NBA titles throughout his remarkable Hall of Fame career.
- He passed away peacefully with his wife, Jeannine Russell , by his side. Details regarding the funeral and memorial service will be shared in the near future.
- While the specific cause of his death hasn't been disclosed publicly, it is known that Bill had been unwell and was unable to present the NBA Finals MVP Award in June 2022 due to a prolonged illness. At the time, he was residing in the Seattle, Washington area.
- WCC Player of the Year Award Winner (1956)
- "Beyond all his victories, it was Bill's awareness of the struggles faced by many that illuminated his path. He courageously boycotted a 1961 exhibition game to shine a light on the longstanding discrimination that was too often overlooked and spearheaded Mississippi’s first integrated basketball camp in the tumultuous aftermath of Medgar Evers' assassination. His decades of activism ultimately earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, as he spoke out against injustice with unwavering honesty. His actions, intended to disrupt the norm, have inspired countless individuals to embrace teamwork, selflessness, and positive change.\"
- "Jeannine, Bill's wife, along with his many friends and family, express their gratitude for your prayers. We encourage you to recall the cherished moments he shared with us or to remember his distinctive laughter as he recounted the true stories behind those memorable instances. We hope that each of us can find ways to advocate for what is right, mirroring Bill's steadfast, dignified commitment to principles. This would symbolize one final, enduring victory for our dearly missed #6,\" reads a recently released touching statement.
- College Basketball Journey & Olympic Gold Medal Achievements.
Coach
- 2 - Time NBA Champion (1968, 1969)
Sources:
“Bill Russell” In his 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics, he led the team to the NBA Finals a remarkable 12 times, capturing the championship title 11 times, with his last two championships achieved while simultaneously serving as the NBA's first Black head coach.