One of the greatest players of all time and the NBA’s first superstar, Bill Russell, passed away at 88. Russell was the most decorated player in NBA history, with 11 titles during his career. After his passing, NBA legend like Michael Jordan, Shaquille O?Neal, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and others paid tribute to the great legend.
Russell was the first superstar of the NBA and he was the pioneer of the NBA. He was the cornerstone of the Boston Celtics dynasty, which won 11 titles during his reign. He would later become the first black coach in NBA history and the first black player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Michael Jordan, Magic, Shaq, and other pay tribute to Bill Russell
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Several NBA legends were saddened to hear about the passing of Russell. He was the idol of many and he had close relationships with many of them. Here are their tributes:
Michael Jordan on the passing of Bill Russell: pic.twitter.com/kQfRPgUoAB
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 31, 2022
R.I.P. to the Legend Bill Russel. A pioneer to generations!
— Shaun Livingston (@ShaunLivingston) July 31, 2022
Charles Barkley's statement regarding the passing of Bill Russell pic.twitter.com/kVwqnBchzO
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) July 31, 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
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
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
Thank you for paving the way. You will be missed legend. @RealBillRussell pic.twitter.com/obvwkMDCCc
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) 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
😢#6
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) 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
I’m thinking these two met up already today and are having an epic reunion. pic.twitter.com/QKjeDRVJbL
— George Karl (@CoachKarl22) 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
Russell – The first superstar of the NBA
William Felton Russell was born on 12th Feb 1934. He went to high school in California and later went to San Francisco. He won back-to-back NCAA titles and won a gold medal with Team USA in 1956.
Russell was selected number 2 overall by the St. Louis Hawks and later traded to the Boston Celtics. He won his first title in his rookie year and he established himself as the star of the Celtics. During his 13-year stay, Russell won 11 titles in total and lost in one NBA Finals. He was also selected as an MVP 5 times.
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In 1972, the Celtics retired his jersey for his achievements. He earned spots in all four of the NBA’s anniversary teams. 25th in 1970, 35 in 1980, 50th in 1996, and 75th in 2022. In 1980, the NBA writers voted him the greatest player in NBA History. They renamed the NBA Finals trophy after him in 2009.
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Russell was arguably the greatest defender in NBA history. Till today, he remains the most decorated winner in NBA history. He won titles with his defense and rebounding and he often chipped in with his scoring, too. He formed the NBA’s first rivalry with Wilt Chamberlain and he dominated him in their matchups. Russell was responsible for Wilt winning just 2 titles during his career.
