NBA legend Bill Russell, an 11-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics and the first black head coach in the league, died “peacefully” on Sunday, according to a family statement from his verified Twitter account. He was 88 years old.
“It is with a heavy heart that we want to go with all of Bill’s friends, fans, and followers,” the statement read. “Bill Russell, the most prolific winner in American sports history, passed away peacefully with his wife Jeanine today at the bill Russell age of 88. The arrangements for his memorial service will be announced soon.”(bill Russell rings)
Bill’s two state championships in high school offered a glimpse of an incomparable run of pure team achievement to come: two-time NCAA champion; captain of the gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic team; 11-time NBA champion; and someone at the top for Also two NBA championships as the first Black head coach of a North American professional sports team.
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Along the way, the Bills earned a string of individual awards that are unprecedented because it went unnoticed by them. In 2009, the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award was named after two-time Hall of Famer ‘Bills’ Russell NBA Finals’ Most Valuable Player Award.’
“Bill’s wife, Jeanine, and many of his friends and family thanked Bill for keeping him in their prayers. Perhaps you’ll relive one or two of the golden moments he had, or explain the real story. I will remember with delight his trademark laugh. Behind those moments unfolding. And we hope that each of us has a chance to act or speak with Bill’s unshakable, respectful and always constructive commitment to principle. The new way can be found. This will be a last, and lasting, victory for our beloved #6.”
Russell won 11 championships with the Boston Celtics, including eight straight from 1959 to 1966. He was a five-time NBA MVP and a 12-time All-Star.
As a coach for the Celtics, he led Boston to two titles, becoming the first black head coach to win an NBA championship.
NBA Hall of Fame point guard Isiah Thomas posted on Twitter: “Rest in peace Bill Russell you were everything we all wanted to be, your winning spirit will live on forever my friend. Thank you for your words of wisdom. “
NBA commissioner Adam Silver also offered condolences.
“Bill Russell was the team’s greatest champion in all sports,” Silver said in a statement. “The countless accolades he earned for his illustrious career with the Boston Celtics – including a record 11 championships and five MVP awards – only begin to tell the story of the Bills’ immense impact on our league and wider society.
“Bill stood for something much bigger than sport: the values of equality, respect and inclusion he stamped into the DNA of our league. At the height of his athletic career, Bill vigorously advocated for civil rights and social justice, a The legacy he passed on to generations of NBA players who followed in his footsteps. Through taunts, threats, and unimaginable adversity, Bill rose above all and lived up to his belief that everyone deserves to be treated with respect Is. “
Bill Russel Championship?
Bill’s two state championships in high school offered a glimpse of an incomparable run of pure team achievement to come: two-time NCAA champion; captain of the gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic team; 11-time NBA champion; and someone at the top for Also two NBA championships as the first Black head coach of a North American professional sports team.
