It is a monument of the NBA and of basketball in general which was extinguished this Sunday. Bill Russell, the most prolific champion in American sports, died at the age of 88 alongside his wife Jeannine. Draft in 1956 in second place by the St. Louis Hawks, he was transferred directly to the Celtics, a stroke of genius on the part of Red Auerbach. In 13 thirteen NBA seasons, Russell won 11 championship rings, was selected 12 times for the All Star Game, joined the All-NBA Teams 11 times and won 5 supreme MVP titles. A prize list to which we can add two university titles and an Olympic gold medal in 1956.
Beyond basketball, Bill Russell is one of the pioneers in integrating African-Americans into major sports in the United States. A civil rights activist who fought against the prevailing racism of his time thanks to his notoriety. During the 1966-67 season, when Auerbach left his coaching position, he became the first colored head coach in the Great League. A coach-player position that he transformed into victory with the last two titles on his list. Considered one of the best all-time defensive pivots, he has accumulated 15.1 points, 22.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 963 regular season games.
After his death, the biggest stars of the League, of course, paid tribute to his legacy:
My thoughts about Bill Russell passing away…. I am working on an deeper thought provoking article tonight as I process what just happened. pic.twitter.com/M69pXNkaC0
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) August 1, 2022
Bill Russell was my idol. I looked up to him on the court and off. His success on the court was undeniable; he was dominate and great, winning 11 NBA championships. Off the court, Bill Russell paved the way for guys like me. pic.twitter.com/ZMIrEx8Tne
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 31, 2022
Thank you for paving the way. You will be missed legend. @RealBillRussell pic.twitter.com/obvwkMDCCc
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) July 31, 2022
Rest in peace Bill Russell you were everything we all aspired to be, your winning spirit will live forever my friend. Thank you for your words of wisdom. pic.twitter.com/rBjFS6nhzW
— Isiah Thomas (@IsiahThomas) July 31, 2022
He was a pioneer a motivator, devastator & juggernault that the NBA will never witness again When I think of Bill his classic line Going to Kick your ass. The laughter the cackle. Cackle on Mr Bill. Your legacy is omnipotent. You’ve done all you can do here keep giving them hell pic.twitter.com/MoFVgR75eW
— Walt Clyde Frazier (@WaltFrazier) July 31, 2022
Was an absolute honor to spend time with #BillRussell. He was a walking encyclopedia. I remember him quoting once – “Basketball is what I do for a living, but it’s not necessarily who I am.” His legacy will NEVER be forgotten! pic.twitter.com/5jBrMuxDn8
— James Worthy (@JamesWorthy42) August 1, 2022
Bill Russell was the epitome of a champion, in every sense of the word. He was an innovator who broke through barriers and for all of his extraordinary successes on the court, he was just as impactful off of it. (1/2) @RealBillRussell pic.twitter.com/LUGwc8t59f
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) July 31, 2022
Thank you for paving the way @RealBillRussell ????????#Legends never die ????
11x Ring King #Salute #BillRussell ????????
Get your rest ???? pic.twitter.com/YVih5GD3Rc— GARY PAYTON (@GaryPayton) August 1, 2022
One of the most dominant players in @NBA History. An 11 times NBA Champion and one of the best to have ever done it.
I’ll forever be honored to have met you. Thank you for everything you have given to the game and all of us. Rest in peace, @RealBillRussell. ???????? pic.twitter.com/HOouLIrXWv
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) July 31, 2022
The NBA family just learned this afternoon that Bill Russell, the 11-time champion and Hall of Fame icon of the Boston Celtics, who used that fame to further the civil rights cause in the United States during the turbulent 1960s, has died at the age of 88. He will be missed???????????? pic.twitter.com/DA4R70Wjps
— Dikembe Mutombo (@officialmutombo) Free Mp3 Download July 31, 2022
An all time great champion and an even better man. It was a privilege to know you. Rest In Peace, Legend. pic.twitter.com/UFLulTB8cw
— Jason Kidd (@RealJasonKidd) July 31, 2022
Rest In Heaven, Mr. 11 ???????????????????????????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/zOqckOFNVK
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) July 31, 2022
@RealBillRussell RIP my friend. We have benefited from your presence, words, time and humor. Your influence on and off the court will forever be appreciated and celebrated.
Rest easy legend for you have earned your way through heavens gates…???????? ???? #prayersuptotheRussellfamily pic.twitter.com/Avuog4RzSV— Vince Carter (@mrvincecarter15) July 31, 2022
Unapologetically himself at all times!! The ultimate leader and just happened to be one of the best hoopers ever! RIP Mr Russell, you will be dearly missed ???????????? pic.twitter.com/30xXhoGXsj
— Chris Paul (@CP3) July 31, 2022
The franchises through their spokespersons joined in the tribute. This is the case of Michael Jordan via the Hornets, from Steve Kerr for the Warriors, Danny Ainge for Jazz or Gregg Popovich at Spurs, for example:
A statement from Hornets Chairman Michael Jordan on the passing of NBA legend Bill Russell. pic.twitter.com/RdYcnuCrmb
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) July 31, 2022
Steve Kerr on the life and legacy of Bill Russell. pic.twitter.com/5nT5kiFI3r
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) July 31, 2022
Coach Pop on the passing of NBA legend Bill Russell. pic.twitter.com/89IrDvmIqO
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) July 31, 2022
The definition of champion, on and off the court. Thank you for everything, Bill. pic.twitter.com/tB5nLoslSF
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 31, 2022
“The influence he had on those he was so close with is impressive, but the impact he had on so many people everywhere is legendary.” pic.twitter.com/U5aFPlsLdj
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) August 1, 2022
❤️???? pic.twitter.com/Wr1EZWxtF3
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) July 31, 2022
Legends are forever.
RIP Bill Russell, truly a titan of our game. pic.twitter.com/EKpLABwzmT
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) July 31, 2022
The big Celtics family mourns one of its greatest legends who contributed to the international reputation of the franchise, from its current general manager, Brad Stevens, to former players:
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. ???????? https://t.co/OIzUn8aLwG
— Brad Stevens (@BCCoachStevens) July 31, 2022
To be the greatest champion in your sport, to revolutionize the way the game is played, and to be a societal leader all at once seems unthinkable, but that is who Bill Russell was. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/K0Ue0hKiLs
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) July 31, 2022
My hero. My friend. What a hole we have now. ???????? ???? pic.twitter.com/NQlIO7hk8k
— Cedric Maxwell (@cedricmaxwell81) July 31, 2022
I’ll never forget this day we was like kids sitting around a camp fire listening to your stories pic.twitter.com/ZX3DDPRAwt
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) July 31, 2022
12 time @NBA All-Star
11 NBA rings
5 MVPs
No 3-point line
No social media
Just played and dominated in a day and a league that was def not soft. @celtics to the core ☘️
RIP @RealBillRussell ???? #LEGENDARY pic.twitter.com/mG7K1AOfQq— marcus smart (@smart_MS3) July 31, 2022
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 31, 2022
