The legacy of Bill Russell and the effect he had on the people around him was discussed by the man who was the greatest basketball player of all time. There is a time and a place for it.
Bill Russell was an amazing man.
From his accomplishments on the basketball court to his more meaningful contributions to society, Russell was a truly remarkable man.
He is the best winner in American sports history. He had to stand up to abuses while leading the Boston Celtics to their 11th championship in 13 seasons. He is the NBA's first black head coach, and his name adorns the league's Finals Most Valuable Player trophy, a fitting tribute to a man who has claimed more titles than any player in the NBA's 75-year history.
Russell's legacy is much more than a trophy. After playing his final game, he is one of basketball's founding stars.
Here, you'll find a collection of anecdotes that explain why Russell stands tall in the NBA's history, and why that will be the case for as long as the league exists.
Russell's dominance on the court can be described in a number of ways. Bob Ryan was a Boston Globe reporter who covered Russell's last few seasons with the Celtics.
There were 21 winner-take-all games between Russell's time at the University of San Francisco, the Olympics and with the Celtics.
Russell had a record in those games. It was a good 21-0.
Russell's team never left the field in the game. Russell's drive to win separated him from everyone else in the history of the sport.
Russell didn't have an opponent who would intimidate him or think he was less than. He is still the greatest winner in American professional sports history. It's a title that is hard to imagine someone taking from Russell.
One final victory for a man who racked them up at a record rate.
The person is Tim Bontemps.
Michael Wilbon talks about Bill Russell.
The first dynasty of college basketball traveled across the San Francisco Bay to the notorious island federal penitentiary that housed mobsters, serial killers, bank robbers and other violent criminals.
Russell and his teammates at the University of San Francisco were given unprecedented access to the convicts even though they were told civilians weren't allowed there. What's the reason? The University of South Florida Dons, the first team to start three African-American players (with Russell, future NBA Hall of Famer and Boston Celtic teammates K.C. Jones, and Hal Perry, a guard), were thought to be the first team to face tension between Black and White
In a suit and tie, and with a fedora atop his 6-foot-9 frame, Russell walked through the cellhouse, kitchen, hospital and recreation yard, and joined his teammates alongside one convict who was segregationist from all others.
John Hernan, a former correctional officer who was present that day and escorted the players down the central walkway, once said that he had never seen any civilians inside the cellhouse. They were the only civilians who walked down Broadway.
Russell was worshiped by the convicts because of his 20.6 points and 21 rebound season. They yelled his numbers at him. One of his teammates said that they looked at Bill Russell as a deity.
The Golden State Warriors became the most dominant basketball team in Bay Area history. He played for 21 years and saw his teams win the title in 18 of them, but his career was done by then. Russell and his teammates knew what it was like to be the toast of the Bay, to steamroll opponents game after game, and celebrate at the end of the season. A source close to him said that Russell would find a television and watch the Warriors.
There is a person named BaxterHolmes.
We need to remember Russell as the NBA's ultimate elder statesman, the league's most important ceremonies would always be elevated by his gravitas.
His conversation with Kobe Bryant on the sideline of the 2008 All-Star Game was captured by microphones.
Russell watched a lot of your games. When I watch your games, I try to pick out what each player's agenda is and how well he carries it out. That's how I view it. I can't be prouder of you if you were my son.
"I got that cause I read your book"
A heartfelt moment from the 2008 All-Star Game between Kobe Bryant & Bill Russell. pic.twitter.com/brGnkJAhO4
All Rights Reserved © 2024
