Legendary former Celtics center Bill Russell, winner of a record 11 NBA titles in 13 seasons as a player, has passed away at the age of 88, per a press statement from Russell’s representatives (Twitter link).
“Bill Russell, the most prolific winner in American sports history, passed away peacefully today at age 88, with his wife, Jeannine, by his side,” the statement began.
After Boston traded for Russell’s draft rights in 1956 (he was the No. 2 pick out of San Francisco, where he won two NCAA titles), the 6’10” defensive-oriented big man continued to rack up accolades at the next level. In addition to his 11 championships, the 12-time All-Star was also a five-time league MVP, as well as an 11-time All-NBA honoree. He also won an Olympic gold medal for team basketball in 1956.
During the 1966/67 season, when Red Auerbach stepped down as Boston’s head coach, Russell made history as the first Black NBA head coach while still a player. In this player-coach capacity, Russell won the last two of his 11 championships.
Russell was named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975 as a player, and then again as a head coach in 2021. Beyond Boston, he served as head coach with the Seattle SuperSonics from 1973-77, and for the Kings during the 1987/88 season. He made the 25th, 35th, 50th, and 75th Anniversary NBA Teams, honoring the best players the game has ever seen.
In 13 seasons and 963 regular season games, all with the Celtics, Russell averaged 15.1 PPG on 44% field goal shooting, plus 22.5 RPG and 4.3 APG. He certainly would have also averaged a boatload of blocked shots, too, but that statistic was not maintained in his era. His greatness as a competitor and teammate goes beyond the numbers, and he is widely considered one of the very best NBA players ever.
A longtime leader in the civil rights movement, Russell was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama for his societal contributions both on and off the court in 2011. Russell is so resonant to the game of basketball that the NBA Finals MVP Award was rebranded the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award in 2009, and when health permitted Russell would be on hand to dole out the trophy to the award’s winners through the years.
“Perhaps you’ll relive one or two of the golden moments he gave us, or recall his trademark laugh as he delighted in explaining the real story behind how those moments unfolded,” the Russell family statement read in its concluding paragraph. “And we hope each of us can find a new way to act or speak up with Bill’s uncompromising, dignified and always constructive commitment to principle. That would be one last, and lasting, win for our beloved #6 [Russell’s jersey number, long since retired in Boston].”
Tributes have already begun pouring in for Russell from players, media, fans, and league personnel.
“Thank you for everything! R.I.P. Legend,” current Celtics All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum wrote (via Twitter).
Boston star wing Jaylen Brown wrote a series of tweets commemorating the one-of-a-kind Boston big man.
“Thank you for paving the way and inspiring so many,” Brown wrote in part (Twitter link). “Today is a sad day but also [a] great day to celebrate his legacy and what he stood for.”
“R.I.P. Bill Russell,” Boston reserve forward Grant Williams began his post (via Twitter). “You allowed me to be in the position I am in today and you changed not only the league but the world. Forever 6.”
Celtics team president Brad Stevens weighed in as well, tweeting, “So very sad to hear about Bill Russell today. He set the standard – on and off the court. RIP to an all-time winner, teammate and person.”
League Commissioner Adam Silver released a heartfelt statement in response to the news (Twitter link).
“Bill Russell was the greatest champion in all of team sports,” Silver wrote. “The countless accolades that he earned for his storied career with the Boston Celtics… only begin to tell the story of Bill’s immense impact on our league and broader society. Bill stood for something much bigger than sports: the values of equality, respect and inclusion that he stamped into the DNA of our league. At the height of his athletic career, Bill advocated vigorously for civil rights and social justice, a legacy he passed down to generations of NBA players who followed in his footsteps.”
Our deepest condolences go out to Russell’s family and friends. One of the NBA’s brightest lights has gone out.
Rest In Peace
Lived a full life RIP
Wow… Rest in peace King. One of the few all-time greats from that generation left. Amazing career.
Sad day. RIP.
RIP Mr. Russell. I never had the pleasure of watching him but I’ve always appreciated his defense-and tea-first mentality. I always enjoyed his analysis on television. Thanks for all your contributions, Mr. Russell.
Team, not tea
Fire up some old games on you tube its not great quality film but its cool to see…
Thanks, that’s a great suggestion. I should have thought of that. Thank you.
RIP to one of the greatest to ever do it.
I don’t think about the basketball player Bill Russell when I remember him. I remember the way he changed the perception that black athletes shouldn’t cross the line for civil rights. Thank you for your impact off the court, as much as you made an impact on the court. RIP Legend.
Unfortunately during his playing days, the city of Boston didn’t treat him nicely. They were very racist. He says it himself in the ESPN 30 for 30 series Celtics vs Lakers best of enemies. Disgracefully, it wasn’t too many years ago in baseball that their fans called Adam Jones racist slurs. I don’t know what’s wrong with Boston, but it’s a shame Russell couldn’t be be appreciated properly. It’s a shame some Boston fans still have that mentality.
Even as Russell was shutting down Chamberlain and bringing title after title to the rafters at the Garden
100% I agree with you Lyman. You hit every point on the record. Great post. I have nothing to add after that. Kudos bro.
In the 94 regular season games these two giants of basketball played against one another Chamberlain outrebounded Russell 66 times to 25 for Russell with 3 ties. Chamberlain outscored Russell in 85 of those 94 matchups. Wilt had more assists too. In no possible manner could it be said that Russell shut down Chamberlain. Yes the Celtics won more often, but Chamberlain dominated Russell in head to head matchups.
I get what you’re saying and I feel the same way about Clemente and all his humanitarian work. But we wouldn’t even know who these guys were if they weren’t amazing ball players. So your comment seemed a little hyperbolic to me. I can understand it getting made fun of for that reason. But like I said, I also get your point. It’s not wrong.
Accurate. I feel like Bobby Clemente is in his own league when it came to humanitarian work. Great post once again!
When you talk about guys who gave back to their community and to all of, Russell is at or near the top of the list. Okay, that statement was a bit hyperbolic. Here’s another: Wilt was pretty loathsome as people go, a womanizing creep. There’s some more hyperbole. Plain old statistics, especially when narrowed into a one on one scenario are what they are unless somehow falsely reported. Wilt outplayed Bill in head to head games. It’s just that simple. The real debate is had they switched teams with Wilt in Boston what would have happened?
R.i.p to the legend
To call him a monumental figure of sports and culture is an understatement. By the way, he went to University of San Francisco, not SD State.
Damn…even in the small sample size I was able to see him play on tapes/in some old games that have been aired over the years, you can see where he would translate. Also, in interviews or any time he was seen in public, or any time he was in a position to speak, he always had the highest of class. Another area where he doesnt get talked about much is his efforts in the Civil Rights movement and the things players like him and Oscar Robertson, and others had to go through to pave the way for the people that came after him. A winner in every area. What a legend. A little piece of the game is missing, as 1 of the most larger than life figures will no longer be around
Very, very well said. I couldn’t put it any better.
Words can’t describe what this man was to basketball, let alone civil rights, and the world in general. RIP to the greatest
RIP to one of the all time greats. He was before my time but it was always cool to see how he interacted with the guys that came after him. Seemed to always be involved and imparting his wisdom to the next generation of players. On top of that he was funny and still had a little dog in him at an old age lol.
JofD mentioned my own comment; Russ went to USF, Not SDSU (who have never gotten near an NCAA title)
And you know, USF hasn’t sniffed a NCAA Title since then.
RIP legend. One of the greatest on and off the court
He was a block specialist. He never blocked a shot to show off. He would block it to a teammate to start a fast break. A true legendary center that many other future Hall of Famers would pattern their games after.
The true King of Basketball
Tough news to read this Sunday. I saw it first on npr.org and was floored. “Oh NO!”
Bill Russell was a true giant of professional basketball. He was the original NBA superstar. The Celtics were wildly successfully in that era because of Bill Russell’s playing and leadership.
He will be sadly missed by all NBA fans, worldwide.
In all fairness, George Mikan was probably the NBA’s first superstar, but it’s probably fair to say Bill Russell was the NBA’s first icon. I know that may be considered splitting hairs but when I say “icon” I mean a player with such exalted status that he’s the first one you think of when you mention the NBA (in the 50’s and 60’s). To me, the “icon” label is based more on accomplishment and is a more respected compliment.
RIP Bill Russell ….
thank you for showing us the way.
Greatest winner and team player. American sports has ever known. We won’t forget .
“Perhaps you’ll relive one or two of the golden moments he gave us, or recall his trademark laugh as he delighted in explaining the real story behind how those moments unfolded,” the Russell family statement read in its concluding paragraph. “And we hope each of us can find a new way to act or speak up with Bill’s uncompromising, dignified and always constructive commitment to principle. That would be one last, and lasting, win for our beloved #6 [Russell’s jersey number, long since retired in Boston].”
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This is some powerful stuff. And wisdom to live by. God bless Bill Russell …..
RIP Bill
I’m so sorry to hear this news. Condolences to his family. RIP Mr. Russell.
My childhood hero is gone. Thank you, Mr. Russell. It was well worth getting caught listening to games on the coast with the radio under my pillow. After awhile my mom understood.
Awesome take. And by someone with an awesome username.
link to slamonline.com
G.O.A.T. arguments usually break down to LeBron or Jordan then old heads like me always chime in with Kareem and Russell.
There’s no doubting the physical prowess of James and Jordan but to me greatness is defined not only by your accomplishments on the court but also your character and contributions off the playing field.
Russell dominated on the court but he also broke down barriers as a player and long into his retirement.
We should honor Russell and treasure Kareem. People like them are truly the greatest.
To me, there are 6 or 7 guys you can say are the greatest of all time, and I dont think it should really be argued. I have my personal belief, but I will never argue against those guys
I couldn’t agree more. I think these “GOAT” arguments are impossible to complete because of the large number of variables between players, such as eras, teammates, etc. My conclusion in these arguments is I’m not smart enough to conclude who’s the GOAT so just enjoy watching them while we can.
I’ve always thought the most logical GOAT argument is the positional goat….very hard to compare the roles and responsibilities of a C and a PG for example. Russell is definitely a legend
WINNER
I’m a bit too young to have watched him play live, but the highlights are incredible. I also loved him as an NBA commentator on CBS.
GOAT
RIP my friend. Congratulations on a life well lived.
“A life well lived.” VERY well put.
Sad to lose a legend. RIP Bill
It does make you think about how negative the response was to his civil rights activism at the time vs how it’s looked at now. I bet future generations will look more favorably on current players social activism. That seems to be how society’s progression goes.
I think you’re right. I haven’t agreed with all of his methods or statements, but I think Colin Kaepernik has been sincere in his efforts to improve the world for everyone and has paid a VERY steep price for it, unfortunately.
My all-time favorite hoop star. RIP to an icon. I think the NBA should do a Bill Russell Day much like Jackie Robinson Day in MLB to honor him as a player and a civil rights leader.
After losing Bob Gibson in 2020 (and not growing up with hockey, so no NHL/AHL favorite), there’s only my NFL all-time favorite left alive now. Not gonna mention names, don’t wanna jinx the poor guy!
I LOVE that idea!!!!!! That’s AWESOME!!!!! Maybe on games on MLK Day?? Or perhaps on its own separate day. His birthday is February 12.
Legend.
The most accomplished basketball player. RIP
Wilt was better.
Yikes dude lol
Maybe Wilt was better, maybe he wasn’t. I know I’m in no position to say. But do you have to express THAT take on the day Mr. Russell passed away??? I’d be willing to bet that Wilt would tell you the same thing.
Sure Wilt’s stats look better, 29.9ppg and 28.1rpg. Basketball is a team game though and Russell’s team went 57-37 against Wilt’s.
Sad to hear it. He certainly lived an amazing life. Changed the whole game of basketball. Without him, the NBA would not be the same. RIP brother.
He had such an impact on team sports in this country. A legend in every sense of the word. Rest easy Mr. Russell
He was the definition of a legend. His impact on and off court was unparalled. It was always great seeing him at NBA functions. He was basketball royalty.
RIP to a true legend of the sport.
Russell’s Celtics beat West’s Lakers in six Finals. Yet … “Bill was not my rival,” said West. “Bill was my friend.”
His death Sunday at age 88 leaves the basketball world with a legacy that cannot be replaced. “One of our darker days,” said Jerry West in a phone interview Sunday. “He was one of those unique people who comes along as a difference maker when a difference maker is needed.” – via Bill Plaschke @ Los Angeles Times
Rest in plush. Bill Russel was so good I’d say up to yesterday he could still have given a team 10 and 10 in an NBA game