Bill Russell was an 11-time NBA champion whose impact went far beyond the basketball court as he fought for civil rights and social justice.
Bill Russell, the NBA great who anchored a Boston Celtics dynasty that won 11 championships in 13 years — the last two as the first Black head coach in any major U.S. sport — and marched for civil rights with Martin Luther King Jr., died Sunday. He was 88.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement that Russell was “the greatest champion in all of team sports.”
An announcement… pic.twitter.com/KMJ7pG4R5Z
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) July 31, 2022
Current and past NBA players as well as others in and around the game shared their thoughts on his death.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Bill Russell: pic.twitter.com/DGX6ukOT4b
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) July 31, 2022
Thank you for everything! R.I.P Legend 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/tn2iGsArav
— Jayson Tatum (@jaytatum0) 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
Rest in peace to an absolute LEGEND https://t.co/QwSHnWZraP
— Antoine Walker (@WalkerAntoine8) July 31, 2022
Rest In Peace 🕊thank you for paving the way and inspiring so many Today is a sad day but also great day to celebrate his legacy and what he stood for 💚 pic.twitter.com/kvDaIsjpGG
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 31, 2022
RIP to the Legend Bill Russell
— James Harden (@JHarden13) July 31, 2022
I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of the greatest winner the game of basketball has ever seen, a legend, hall of famer, mentor and my friend for over 30 years, Bill Russell. 💔 pic.twitter.com/iiSkVq2kdn
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 31, 2022
Bill Russell was my idol. I looked up to him on the court and off. His success on the court was undeniable; he was dominate and great, winning 11 NBA championships. Off the court, Bill Russell paved the way for guys like me. pic.twitter.com/ZMIrEx8Tne
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 31, 2022
He was one of the first athletes on the front line fighting for social justice, equity, equality, and civil rights. That’s why I admired and loved him so much. Over the course of our friendship, he always reminded me about making things better in the Black community. pic.twitter.com/K73adpaWZ4
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 31, 2022
Rest in peace Bill Russell you were everything we all aspired to be, your winning spirit will live forever my friend. Thank you for your words of wisdom. pic.twitter.com/rBjFS6nhzW
— Isiah Thomas (@IsiahThomas) July 31, 2022
What a legend! #HugeRespect 🙏 https://t.co/t246k2if4R
— Manu Ginobili (@manuginobili) July 31, 2022
Rest In Peace Legend! 🙏🏽😞❤️ https://t.co/VhjGoIM8Ff
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) July 31, 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
Rest well, Bill Russell: one of the greatest on the court, a humanitarian, and a gracious human. My condolences and prayers to his family. pic.twitter.com/v2aHm5x4yt
— Harrison Barnes (@hbarnes) July 31, 2022
One of the most dominant players in @NBA History. An 11 times NBA Champion and one of the best to have ever done it.
I’ll forever be honored to have met you. Thank you for everything you have given to the game and all of us. Rest in peace, @RealBillRussell. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/HOouLIrXWv
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) July 31, 2022
You continually served as an inspiration on and off the court, leaving an impact on the game as well as the community.
Rest In Peace Bill Russell. Forever a legend🕊
— T Mac (@Tmac_213) July 31, 2022
Bill Russell was a treasure as a player, coach and especially as a human being. @Lakers and @celtics fans can agree on this today. 😔💜💚😔 https://t.co/TTDfp9w8Zq
— Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) July 31, 2022
The Great Bill Russell has always been my basketball idol.Not because he won 11 NBA championships and 5 MVPs.It was mainly for his stand for civil rights and social justice. We have lost a great one.
I can remember my first time meeting him and being like a nervous (1/1)