He won 11 championships |
NBA legend Bill Russell is dead
The NBA world mourns the loss of a legend!
Bill Russell passed away this Sunday at the age of 88. A statement from his family on Twitter said: “He passed away peacefully today, with his wife Jeannine by his side.”
He continued: “Jeannine and Bill’s family would like to thank everyone for their prayers. Maybe you remember one or two brilliant moments that he gave us. Or you remember his signature laugh.”
Russell won the NBA championship 11 times in his career. A record to this day. The center won all titles with the Boston Celtics. In 1966/67 he took on a dual role, becoming player-coach and winning his last two titles in that capacity. Also historical: due to his double function, Russell was also the first black coach in the NBA.
Russell caught 21,620 rebounds in his career. 2nd place in the NBA all-time leaderboard. Before Michael Jordan became a superstar in the 90’s, Russell was considered by many to be the greatest NBA player of all time!
Russell in a 2011 interview with the New York Times: “I was always good for new things. I’ve started blocking shots, although I’ve never seen that before. The first time I blocked a shot, my coach took a time out. He said to me: ‘A good defender never jumps off the ground.’”
Russell has been in the NBA Hall of Fame since 1975. In 2010, then-US President Barack Obama awarded Russell the Medal of Freedom. The Medal of Freedom is the United States’ highest civilian honor.
Here’s how the NBA world is reacting to Russell’s death
Jason Taytum (currently Boston Celtics player) tweeted: “Thanks for everything. Rest in peace you legend.”
NBA boss Adam Silver called Russell “the greatest champion in the history of any team sport” in a statement. “Bill was the ultimate winner and a consummate player. His impact on the NBA will be felt forever.”
NBA legend Magic Johnson: “Bill was my idol. I looked up to him on and off the basketball court.”
