The Tribute of the NBA to Bill Russell
Bill Rusell, one of the all-time greats, a well-decorated basketball player, and a legend in the history of basketball and sports. He has built himself one of the greatest legacies and careers in the history of the NBA. It is deeply saddening to say that he passed away on July 31, 2022. With this, people all over the world, those who love the sport, and the NBA community mourn his final exit.
Recognize Greatness
Bill Russell may be known by the older generation since he played from 1956 to 1969. For the younger generation, he might be only known because of his name and as one of the faces of the league. His career alone can tell you how decorated his playing career is, and let me tell you it is more than what you think. Here is the list of his achievements as a player:
- 11x NBA Champion
- 12x NBA All-Star
- 1x All-Star MVP
- 5x NBA MVP
- 3x All-NBA First Team
- 8x All-NBA Second Team
- 1x NBA All-Defensive First Team
- 4x NBA Rebounding Champion
- NBA Lifetime Achievement Award
- 4x NBA Anniversary Team (25th, 35th, 50th, 75th)
- Jersey Number 6 retired by the Boston Celtics
- 2x NCAA Champion
- 1x NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player
- UPI College Player of The Year
- 2x Helms Player of The Year
- 2x Consensus First team All-American
- WCC Player of The Year
- 3x First team All-WCC
- Jersey Number 6 retired by the San Francisco Dons (college team)
- Presidential Medal of Freedom
That is a lot of achievements. No wonder, he is a Hall of Famer. Bill Russell played thirteen seasons in the NBA. Of those thirteen seasons, eleven of them were championship runs. It means that, during his tenure in the league, his team and himself won almost every single year. He was one of the most successful players in the history of the league.
Bleed Green
Bill Russell’s played for only one team, and that is the Boston Celtics. He is responsible for eleven of the seventeen championship rings the franchise has. The loyalty Bill has to the franchise explains many things. Not every player stays for the team that drafted them, it poses the value of him as a player. After he retired from playing in the league, the Celtics retired his jersey up on the rafters, never to be worn again by another player who becomes a Celtics.
Honoring The Legend
To honor Bill Russell, the NBA decided that every team would retire the No. 6 to show tribute to his legacy. By retiring his number permanently throughout the league, it ensures that his dominant career which helped the game and the league grow will always be acknowledged and appreciated by current and future fans. In addition, every court of each NBA team will incorporate a No. 6 clover-shaped logo on the hardwood.
Currently, there are 16 players in the league who uses the number six in their team jersey. The NBA allowed them to continue using the number even when they move to different teams until their retirement. It means that any future players of the league would not be allowed or would be strictly stopped from wearing the number six.
THE LEGACY OF BILL RUSSELL WILL RUN THROUGHOUT THE HISTORY OF BASKETBALL. HIS NAME SHALL LIVE ON FOREVER AS ONE OF THE GREATEST WHO EVER PLAYED THE SPORT.
Paulo is an easygoing writer with a strong fascination in gaming and lifestyle. His hobbies revolves around sports, anime, television series, and fashion. His drive is to keep himself as entertained as possible so that every minute spent is an experience of something meaningful and fun.