One of basketball’s greats has passed away.
Russess celebrates an NBA championship (photo, Boston Globe)
Back in the early days of the NBA, there was a man known as Bill Russell.
A force to be reckoned with, he played for the Boston Celtics for 13 seasons, carrying his team to 12 NBA Finals, winning eight straight and 11 championships overall. The last two titles were won with a dual role, as a player and also as the NBA’s first Black coach.
Many considered him to be the greatest NBA player until Michael Jordan challenged him for that honor.
Pretty great career, wouldn’t you say?
Well, on Sunday, the Celtics and NBA lost one of its greats. Russell died peacefully in his sleep with his wife Jeannine by his side. In June, Russell was supposed to present the 2022 NBA Finals MVP, but illness kept him away from those honors.
It’s important to know that Russell wasn’t just known as a great basketball player. He was also an activist, standing up for equal rights. Russell led Mississippi’s first integrated basketball camp in the wake of Medgar Evers’s assassination. He was recognized for that and other efforts with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Bill Russell will be forever missed. May he rest in peace.
Anyone who is a fan of the NBA should know the name Bill Russell. I think he’s definitely in the top 10 of the all time NBA greats. Great article Matthew Paris and may he rest in peace!