NBA great Bill Russell was like a man who created miracles! How many NBA players have led their teams while also coaching them? It’s rare, right? But Dave DeBusschere comes to mind almost instantly. And now, how many were successful in winning an NBA championship? Multiple titles to top that! In the history of the league, there’s just one man, the legend whose memorabilia still fetches millions at auctions decades later. His game and playing style are still revered by fans and veterans of the sport.

On special days such as his birth anniversary, the 11X NBA champ’s larger-than-life career is worth revisiting.

How did Bill Russell join the Boston Celtics?

It was former Boston Celtics head coach Red Auerbach’s place that Russell took on the team much later. And right at the beginning of his NBA career, it was also Auerbach who first spotted the shining star who was yet to make his mark. Russell was great at rebounding and had awe-inspiring defensive skills. Auerbach was right with his decision as the Boston Celtics were in need of a player to improve their defense. 

Drafted as the second pick by the St. Louis Hawks in 1956, the center, Russell was ultimately acquired by the Celtics through a trade. The Hawks were interested in St. Louis-based former Celtics player Ed Macauley, which enabled the Celtics to get the then-rookie Russell that marked the beginning of a legendary run for both the team and Russell.

He averaged a stunning 22.5 rebounds, 15.1 points, and 4.3 assists across 963 regular-season games. Russell played 13 seasons of his NBA career for the franchise. Well, just as Auerbach had wanted for the team, Russell showcased an impressive defensive game to save the Celtics. 

Ever heard of “Hey Bill?” Apparently, the champ was so good at his game that whenever Russell’s teammates needed defensive help, they would just call out, “Hey, Bill,” and he would be there. Standing tall at 6’10”, the NBA star won 11 NBA titles with the Celtics as a player and player-coach. When the Celtics needed a coach, he stepped up. He took on the role of player-coach in 1966, won the championship, and showed complete dedication until 1969. The jersey No. 6 that he wore for the Celtics was also retired by the franchise. 

Apart from his five MVP honors, he was also named an NBA All-Star twelve times. In the playoffs, he averaged 16.2 points and 24.9 rebounds per game. He shot 43.0% from the field and 60.3% from the free-throw line, with a true shooting percentage of 47.4%.

Some call him the god of basketball! And this isn’t just for the massive number of accolades he achieved in his career. It is because of the kindness, true sportsmanship, and values instilled in him. However, for some of the reasons, he couldn’t hold the same kind of relationship with the media, often refusing to speak. However, the legend was always adored by the people around him.

Did you know that it was Russell who suggested Shaquille O’Neal talk things through with Kobe Bryant to end their longtime feud? He shared a great bond with the late Lakers legend as well. But what did he do after his majestic career ended?

Bill Russell to be honored by the University of San Francisco (USF) 

There’s just no math to understand Russell. He was simply the best. When a closer look is taken at Russell’s career before the NBA, his greatness becomes even more evident. He won back-to-back state championships in high school and went on to win back-to-back NCAA championships while at the University of San Francisco. His jersey No. 6 for the Dons was retired. And in 1956, he won a gold medal.

Well, even after more than six decades, his impact remains immense. The University of San Francisco (USF) has announced the ‘Bill Russell Impact Classic,‘ which will take place in fall 2025 to honor his legacy and contributions to the team. Russell’s widow, Mrs. Jeannine Russell, will be present at the event, which will be held at the War Memorial at the Sobrato Center on the USF campus.

“Bill’s storied journey with USF was one for the record books, but it was not one with an easy path. While he dominated the backboards on the court, outside of the gym he stood tall fighting for equality for all men and women. I have no doubt that Bill would be proud of this partnership with USF and the impact it will bring to students in need,” Ms. Russell said. “It has been an honor to work with USF, and I appreciate the steps they have taken to amplify Bill’s legacy and to employ his spirit to inspire and make a better way for others.”

After retiring from his career, the basketball legend joined the Seattle SuperSonics as a coach in 1973 for five years. He later joined the Sacramento Kings for another one-year coaching stint in 1987. While he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975, it was in 2021 that Russell was honored with induction into the Hall of Fame as a coach. After his career, he also tried his hand at commentary and joined NBA on ABC. The NBA legend passed away at the age of 88 in 2022. In life and beyond, the NBA legend continues to make an impact!