This past Wednesday, July 31, 2022, the world and entire basketball community lost one of their most beloved superstars. Former Boston Celtic and 11-time NBA Finals champion, Bill Russell, has unfortunately passed away at the age of 88 years old. Bill’s family and close friends made sure to inform his fans and the NBA world that he had gone peacefully in his sleep.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver gave his condolences to Russell’s family, while also shedding light on his previous accomplishments throughout his time as a professional basketball player: “Bill Russell was the greatest champion in all of the team sports,” Silver confidently stated. “The countless accolades that he earned for his storied career with the Boston Celtics – including a record 11 championships and five MVP awards – only to begin to tell the story of Bill’s immense impact on our league and broader society.”
Russell initially jumped into the legendary category during the 1950s and ‘60s by shocking the audience with his extravagant moves, along with showing his unique ability to grab almost any rebound on its way down from the backboard. Aside from Bill leading Boston to 11 NBA Championships throughout his 13-year professional career with the team, the legend has also acquired various other all-time accolades such as winning two of his championships as a player/head coach, becoming the first Black head coach in the history of the NBA, and most notably having the prestigious NBA Finals MVP trophy named in his honor.