Bill Russell, an 11-time NBA champion as the heart and soul of the Boston Celtics dynasty of the 1950s and ’60s, died Sunday. Russell, also a civil rights activist and a leading voice for social justice, was 88 years old.
“Bill Russell was the greatest champion in all of team sports,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “The countless accolades that he earned for his storied career with the Boston Celtics — including a record 11 championships and five MVP awards — only begin to tell the story of Bill’s immense impact on our league and broader society.”
The statement from Silver continues:
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. Through the taunts, threats and unthinkable adversity, Bill rose above it all and remained true to his belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.
For nearly 35 years since Bill completed his trailblazing career as the league’s first Black head coach, we were fortunate to see him at every major NBA event, including the NBA Finals, where he presented the Bill Russell Trophy to the Finals MVP.
I cherished my friendship with Bill and was thrilled when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom I often called him basketball’s Babe Ruth for how he transcended time. Bill was the ultimate winner and consummate teammate, and his influence on the NBA will be felt forever. We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Jeannine, his family and his many friends.
Additional information on Russell’s life is available at usatoday.com.
Like each team around the league, the Houston Rockets have many players and representatives who came to know and/or appreciate Russell over the years. Here’s a sampling of their reactions on social media.
This is a teary-eyed Sunday knowing that we lost a legendary human being @RealBillRussell His dedication to civil-rights, human-rights and the sport of basketball puts him beyond legendary status. That smile will be missed. pic.twitter.com/fmZSmFVkqp
— Robert Horry (@RKHorry) July 31, 2022
Former Rockets coach Don Chaney remembers Hall of Famer Bill Russell, who passed away today according to a statement on social media from his family. Chaney helped the Celtics win the championship in 1969 with Bill Russell, who was the player-coach. They remained close. pic.twitter.com/S1rJpietr6
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) July 31, 2022
Jogadores do Houston Rockets prestam suas homenagens a Bill Russell.
Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr. e Daishen Nix fizeram homenagens em suas contas do Instagram.
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— Red Nation BR ???????? (@RedNationBR) 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
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