The statement draws attention to his achievements and contributions outside the field over the years. And thats what you must always do. Russell led the US national team in aspects of points, recording an average14.1 points per game. Declared Greatest Player in the History of the NBA by the Professional Basketball Writers Association of America (1980). He is a best-selling author and thirty years after he won he remained a recognizable face and a legend. - IMDb Mini Biography By: And he learned basketball when he went to Oakland. But I think this documentary will reset the clock on that and understand Bill from the other perspective, besides being a phenomenal basketball legend. Russell, outspoken and relentlessly intelligent when it came to matters of race, was not just the NBAs first Black superstar; as the Celtics quickly came to dominate the NBA, he also became an activist on par with Muhammad Ali. Tim Reynolds is a national basketball writer for The Associated Press. Russells impact was immediate. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. Site contains certain content that is owned A&E Television Networks, LLC. POLLARD: My pleasure, Michel. NPR's Michel Martin speaks with director Sam Pollard about his new documentary Bill Russell: Legend, which is now streaming on Netflix. Born on Feb. 12, 1934, William Felton Russell spent his earliest years in Monroe, Louisiana, before his family moved west during World War II, ultimately landing in Oakland, California. He was a five-time NBA MVP, an 11-time NBA Champion with the Boston Celtics (twice as a coach), and hes a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame as both a coach and a player. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. The Celtics won a title in his rookie year, and he became the leagues first African American superstar, though not its first Black player (who was Earl Lloyd in 1956). Although Bill Russell played less than 50 games, due to the fact he has won a gold medal for basketball in the Olympics, in his first NBA season he definitely made his presence felt. First Laker's owner Jack Kent Cooke had filled the rafters with purple and yellow balloons balloons and intended to drop them after the Lakers won. Cass Anderson is the Editor-in-Chief of BroBible. NBA 35th Anniversary All-Time Team (1980). As head coach, compiled a 341-290 record (.540) in eight seasons. But the way she took care of it was; okay, youre going to fight every 1 of them. Rose and Bill were college sweethearts and were together for much of Bills NBA success. If he was out dining and got approached by someone asking for his signature, Russells usual response was to instead ask the person to join him at the table to have a conversation about life. Despite winning 11 championships in 13 seasons with the Celtics, Russell greatly disliked playing in Boston and was often the target of racism. The Celtics who were supposedly way past their prime were led by Bill Russell to their eleventh championship, they were only the third team to repeat a championship, the first were the Minneapolis Lakers, and the second were the Boston Celtics. What happened to Lil Durk at Lollapalooza 2022? However, it is reported that he lives with his wife Sara Marckx Russell in Washington State. He stood for what he believed, stood with who he believed in. Selected by the St. Louis (now Atlanta) Hawks as a territorial draft choice in 1954. The NBA great Bill Russell has died at age 88. 15 Episodes of Seinfeld That Teach Everything You Need To Know About Life, Read more sports articles on BroBible right here, 5-time NBA MVP Bill Russell shared a story from his childhood that he says changed his life forever, It took place right when he and his mother moved to the projects and he was attacked by a stranger, his mother then took charge of the situation. Russell was grief-stricken by the death of his mother, whod been his biggest advocate and pushed him to work hard in school. He won the NCAA in his finals and even earned recognition as a shot-blocker and defensive maestro. Bill Russell was an American former basketball coach and former professional basketball player who was universally acknowledged as one of the greatest American sportspersons of all time. The authoritative record of NPRs programming is the audio record. Russell once got asked a question about being a Black star in Boston, a city with a complicated history when it comes to race. I mean, you've won so many accolades. I was sitting on the steps. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). This is probably my favorite Bill Russell highlight that I can think of. He was not ready for the coaching job, and did an all around bad job, sadly enough. He had such curiosity about human nature, about psychology, Branch said. Bill Russell, a towering figure in the NBA and in American sports history, died at 88 on Sunday, his family announced. On joining the Celtics during the mid-season, he made his professional debut against the St. Louis Hawks. There was no doubt who the fans were yelling at. The cemetery is also the final resting place of martial arts action star Bruce Lee and his son Brandon Lee. Holds NBA Finals single-game record for most free throws attempted in one half (15, April 11, 1961) vs. St. Louis; most rebounds (40, March 29, 1960 vs. St. Louis and April 18, 1962 vs. Los Angeles); most rebounds by a rookie (32, April 13, 1967 vs. St. Louis); and most rebounds in a quarter (19, April 18, 1962 vs. Los Angeles). I had seen Bill Russell play. Thats what I did, Russell said in 2009. Their marriage lasted until her death in 2009. Bill Russells family announced his demise through a statement on Sunday, July 31. This site uses cookies to serve you better. The relationship was broken apart in controversy because of Anstetts color. Karen graduated from Harward Law School and has dissected high-profile trials and national political issues. | His last season came in 1968/69 as he began to age and lose interest in the professionalism of basketball. A the time of his death, he was POLLARD: I don't think he was as vocal. Is A Hot Dog A Sandwich? Have something to tell us about this article? The NBA great Bill Russell has died at age 88. He received as much as $100,001 annually, plus an extra $25,000 as a player-coach. Bill Russell, one of the greatest Boston Celtics and NBA players ever, died, his family said Sunday. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, file), Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Trump cowboy found not guilty of campaign finance charge, Obama praises woman behind Fired up chant as she retires, India urges G-20 ministers to look beyond East-West crisis, Sheriff: Florida man fatally shot teenage daughter, 3 others, N. Korea wants more control over farming amid food shortage, NYC bike path killer doesnt testify in death penalty phase, San Diego lawyer sentenced to prison for stealing $5K worth of life insurance premium payments, Driver extricated from overturned car after crashing off I-5 in La Jolla, RFK killer Sirhan Sirhan denied parole by California board, 25 years to life in prison for nanny who fatally injured 4-week-old baby in her care, Imperial Beach school placed on lockdown after unsubstantiated threat of gun on campus. When Russell was eight years old, his father moved the family to Oakland, California, where the job prospects were better. POLLARD: Yeah, because I think most people see him just as a great sports figure, a legend on the basketball court, and really didn't really dig into how complex his life was off the court. Later that year she won Miss USA1968 while studying at Washington. I mean, we all know that when he became a Celtic, he became the lynchpin that began this dynasty of the Boston Celtics. Cowboys for Trump cofounder Couy Griffin has been found not guilty of a misdemeanor charge of failing to register a political group and provide financial disclosures at a trial in southern New Mexico, Former President Barack Obama is marking the retirement of the South Carolina woman credited with popularizing the chant Fired up, ready to go!, Top diplomats from the worlds major industrialized and developing nations have opened what are expected to be contentious talks dominated by Russias war in Ukraine and Chinas moves to boost its global influence, Authorities say a central Florida man has been arrested after fatally shooting his teenage daughter and three other people, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed to strengthen state control over agriculture and make all available efforts to increase grain production, as the country faces a worsening food shortage, The man convicted of killing eight people in a terrorist attack on a Manhattan bike path declined to testify in the death penalty phase of his trial, just as he had before the jury returned guilty verdicts, Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceSign Up For Our NewslettersSite Map, Copyright 2023, The San Diego Union-Tribune |, FILE - Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell stands court side during a tribute in his honor in the second quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks in Boston, Nov. 1, 2013. She's also provided commentary on the high-profile cases of NBA players like Kobe Bryant and Jayson Williams. If you have three hours and want to check out Russells story, you can watch this video right below. The NBA legend was 88 years old at the time of his death. NBA Boston Celtics, player/head coach (1966-1969). William Jr, Bills first son, was born in 1957 but passed away from cancer in 2016. Bill Russell married his college Girlfriend Rose Swisher in 1956 and had one daughter named Karen Russell and two sons named He went to high school in Oakland. But if those souvenir hounds had taken Russell up on the chance to sit with him for a meal, they might have heard about his obsession with golf. Thanks, mom. Copyright 2023 NPR. Dorothy Catherine Anstett was born on June 28, 1947, and was one of nine children of an aircraft plant worker. He supported Muhammad Ali when the fighter refused to go to Vietnam. Russell was married to his college girlfriend Rose Swisher from 1956 to 1973, they had three children but then grew apart and divorced in 1977. UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #2: There was a full house in Kiel Auditorium on that night in December 1956. NBA 25th Anniversary All-Time Team (1970). You did what youre supposed to do. But without Bill Russell there is no doubt the Boston Celtics would not be the rock-solid professional sports team they have become in their legendary run of championships. Bills third wife was Marilyn Nault, whom he married in 1996. Russel died on July 31, 2022. He covers an array of topics including NFL, Pop Culture, Fishing News, and the Outdoors. He shared all three kids with his first wife Rose Swisher. His home was accosted on a few occasions, and he heard he would not get MVP because he was black from a reporter. You know, he didn't love the Boston fans. You'll get covered with chocolate. NBA Seattle Supersonics, player/head coach (1973-1977). Official Sites. Holds career playoff record for most rebounds (4,104, 24.9 rpg) in 165 games. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. In California, life for the Russell family proved rocky. But above all else, Russell was basketballs ultimate winner. MARTIN: Which, again, it just seems interesting that we don't necessarily put him in the same breath as those other kind of prominent athlete activists, you know, like Muhammad Ali. He defined the teams philosophy and its strategy. Following the 1966 season, in which Russell led the Celtics to an eighth consecutive title, Auerbach retired from coaching. He was drafted second overall, by the St. Louis Hawks, but was traded to the Boston Celtics for Ed Macauley, in a deal spearheaded by Red Auerbach, the coach of the Boston Celtics. WebBill Russell Legend on DVD - Both Episodes The life and career of Hall of Fame NBA player Bill Russell is celebrated in the documentary Bill Russel: Legend. On the court, Russell was a force to be reckoned with a champion who sacrificed himself for his teammates and love of basketball. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 25, 2016. Despite going through numerous struggles, he managed to stay strong and make the most out of the opportunity that was given to him. Your login session has expired. Before his arrival, the Celtics had been a shot-happy, nearly out-of-control team, led by passing wizard Bob Cousy. He would return and defeat the Sixers in 1968, in a hotly contested Conference Final series, and easily defeat the Lakers in the Finals. In the 1962/63 season, Russell was named the NBA Most Valuable Player and won the honour again the following year after winning the NBA championship again. Rose Swisher and Bill Russell had three children, daughter Karen Russell and sons William Jr and Jacob. Russell was truly nothing short of a champion.Since his historic victory Russell has been active in broadcasting for NBA games, and occasionally coaching, including the Seattle Supersonics in the 1970s and the Sacramento Kings in the 1980s. The NBA legend was 88 years old at the time of his death. 6 jersey across the entire league. You know, I thought he was one of the greatest defensive centers who ever played the game. SAM POLLARD: If it weren't for Bill Russell winning all them championships, would anybody be talking about the Boston Celtics? He was 88 years old. The following season, Russell earned the NBA MVP award and helped the Celtics to another NBA final which they lost. She has done a lot of activist work, and her articles can be found in the New York Times Magazine, HuffPost, and many other publications. All-NBA Second Team (1958, 1960-1962, 1964, 1966-1968). 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