On July 31, the world lost a legend, Bill Russell. Bill was one of the greatest winners in NBA history. Winning 11 NBA rings in thirteen seasons. He also experienced great individual success as he won 5 NBA championships, made 11 all-NBA teams, 12 all-star appearances, and the list goes on and on. His career averages are 15ppg, 22.5reb, and 4 ast.He’s undeniably one of the greatest players to ever play the game.
During his career, Bill Russell was known to be a defensive-minded player. He would man the paint and grab rebounds relentlessly. Leading the league in rebounds 4 times. He was a great shot blocker and most importantly he was a great individual and team defensive player. There is no question that he left his mark as one of the greatest and more impactful basketball players. Though many don’t quite understand just how impactful he was because he played decades ago. To put his career in perspective, he’s the NBA’s most winning player as he has an impressive 11-0 record in the finals.
In 1966, he became one of the first African American coaches in the NBA. What’s also impressive is that he was also a player at the same time he took on the duties of being the Celtic's head coach. He served as a player coach for three seasons while winning two NBA championships. The NBA named the finals MVP after him in 2009 in honor of his career as a player.
Though his playing career is impressive, that is not even close to how impressive he was off the floor.Bill Russell is known as a pioneer on many fronts. He played a role during the civil rights movement as he was alongside Dr.King during many of his marches to freedom. Serving as a voice in the basketball world, during a period when racism was very prominent across the league. He was never shy to express his disdain, or for that matter speak up for injustices. He was the first African American coach, breaking barriers that have paved the way for players and coaches today.
One of his most notable actions was leading the first player protest. The protest came after a few players were refused service at a hotel in Lexington, Kentucky. Russel felt a stand had to be taken as he was tired of the treatment he and many of his African American counterparts were experiencing. That was just one of the many times Russel showed he would stand up for himself and not back down in what he believed in.
Russel was awarded the medal of freedom in 2011 by former President Barack Obama. An achievement that he held dearly. Russel was fortunate to live a long full life. He passed away at the age of 88. He accomplished a great deal on and off the court. He was a great NBA player but also was a civil rights activist that was able to live long enough to see effective change in the country.
It is sad to know he will no longer be here, but there is joy in knowing that he was here long enough to see an evolution of the game that he helped push forward and also see the country improve in the treatment of African Americans. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.