The Celtics won Game 4 in an upset, but the Hawks prevailed in Games 5 and 6, with Pettit scoring 50 points in the deciding Game 6. [19], During World War II, the Second Great Migration began, as large numbers of blacks were moving to the West to look for work there. With the added defensive presence of Russell, the Celtics had laid the foundation for a dynasty, as the team utilized a strong defensive approach to the game, forcing opposing teams to commit many turnovers, which led to many easy points on fast breaks. Russell limited Chamberlain to only two shot attempts in the second half. From the humblest of beginnings, Russell went on to lead each and every one of his basketball teams to Championships two California State High School Championships, two back-to-back NCAA titles, a Gold . Over 50 percent of responses said 'There's too many black players. She has had many amazing accomplishments in her life. 6 in ESPN's NBA 75th Anniversary Team list,[162] and No. On Sunday, July 31, Russell's family shared the news in a statement via Twitter, sharing . [19] When he later became a standout college player at USF, Russell recalled how he and his few fellow black teammates were jeered by white students. Constantly provoked by New York Knicks center Ray Felix during a game, he complained to coach Auerbach, who told him to take matters into his own hands. Jacob H. Russell was born on July 6, 1959. And that's the kind of guy [Brown] was. [45][46] He also competed in the 440 yards (402.3m) race, which he could complete in 49.6 seconds. 101", "The NBA's 75th Anniversary Team, ranked: Where 76 basketball legends check in on our list", "NBA 75: Top 75 NBA players of all time, from MJ and LeBron to Lenny Wilkens", "President Obama Names Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients", "Bill Russell to receive NBA's inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award", "Bill Russell's No. Both Cousy and Russell called it the greatest Celtics team of all-time. He was one of the greatest to ever play the game of basketball and left behind an amazing legacy. Arthur was a man of great courage. Bill Russell parents Russell was born on February 12, 1934, to Charles Russell and Katie Russell in West Monroe, Louisiana. In the interim, Russell won an Olympic gold medal in 1956. [201] Later in Russell's career, John Havlicek said of his teammate and coach that he threw up less often than early in his career, only doing so "when it's an important game or an important challenge for himsomeone like Chamberlain, or someone coming up that everyone's touting. No one in the history of North American team sports won at a higher level than Bill Russell did as a member of the Boston Celtics, capturing 11 championships in his 13 seasons with the team. [152] He could score with putbacks and made mid-air outlet passes to point guard Bob Cousy for easy fast-break points. I owe so much to him it's impossible to express. So after the season was over, they had a Northern California banquet, and they picked another center as Player of the Year in Northern California. Karen appears frequently on CNN, MSNBC, and TruTV as a legal and political analyst. [20], At USF, Russell became the new starting center for coach Phil Woolpert of the San Francisco Dons. In the last play, Sam Jones used a triple screen by Bailey Howell, Larry Siegfried, and Havlicek to hit a buzzer beater that equalized the series. [14][190] The news was announced in a Twitter post by his family. [116], After retiring as a player, Russell had stints as head coach of the Seattle SuperSonics (19731977) and Sacramento Kings (19871988). The first [NBA organization] to hire a black [head] coach was the Boston Celtics, and they've had at least five [black head-coaches] over the years. [61] In Boston, both fans and journalists felt betrayed because Russell left the Celtics without a coach and a center, and he sold his retirement story for $10,000 to Sports Illustrated. [5], For his achievements, Russell was named "Sportsman of the Year" by Sports Illustrated in 1968. I was first team All American. [133][134], On February 14, 2009, NBA Commissioner David Stern announced that the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award would be renamed the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award in his honor as an 11-time NBA champion. The statement did not give. ", "Basketball Players who Caused Rule Changes by Ron Kurtus", "The Bill Russell Story: More Than A Champion", "NCAA Basketball Tourney History: Two by Four", "Stanford Trackmen Finish Fourth in Fresno Relays; Leamon King Equals Century World Record; Landy Runs Mile in 3.59.1; Russell Nears Mark", "Bill Russell attempting to clear 69 1/4. In 1956, Russell married his college sweetheart, Rose Swisher. It would be to our advantage if we paid him off for five years to get away from us in the rest of this series. [107] West then hit one basket after the other and cut the lead to one, and Chamberlain asked to return to the game. In 1987, Karen Rusell penned an article for the New York Times titled, Growing Up With Privilege and Prejudice.. Heinsohn felt that Russell resented him because the former was named the 1957 NBA Rookie of the Year. is LYING to you. The couple grew emotionally distant and divorced. [140], Russell is one of the most successful and decorated athletes in North American sports history. [25] Sports journalist John Taylor described it as a watershed event in Russell's life because he realized that basketball was his chance to escape poverty and racism, and he swore to make the best of it. Russell's stint with the Kings was considerably shorter, his last assignment ending when the Kings went 1741 to begin the 198788 NBA season. No cause of death was immediately available; Russell, who. August 2, 2022. [167] In October 2021, Russell was honored as one of theleague's 75 greatest players of all-time. With a flair for defense never before seen on a basketball court, allied with an uncanny ability to excel under pressure and an indomitable will to win, Russell dominated the game of basketball from his earliest days as a student . [189], Russell died at his Mercer Island, Washington, home on July 31, 2022, at the age of 88. [115], As a consequence of his endured racist abuse, Russell was extremely sensitive to all racial prejudice. The most prolific winner in NBA history, Russell was the centerpiece of. "[49], Duiring the 196869 NBA season, Russell was shocked by the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy, disillusioned by the Vietnam War, and weary from his increasingly stale marriage to his wife Rose; the couple later divorced. @NBATV before Game 6 of 2013 #NBAFinals. Although the salary was touted in the press as a record for an NBA coach, it is unclear whether Russell's continued $100,001 salary as a player was included in the calculation. He later commented that he would have participated in the high jump if he had been snubbed by the basketball team. His third marriage happened in the year 2009 with Marilyn Nault. [49], Russell was considered the consummate defensive center, noted for his defensive intensity, basketball IQ, and will to win. Russell's family said in a. Bill Russell (L) greets Jimmy Butler at the NBA All-Star Game 2018 at Staples Center on February 18, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. In the piece, she explains how she experienced such privilege in her life at times, but how she was also met with periods of intense racism and sexism. He Had Three Children with His First Wife Together, Russell and Swisher had three children: daughter Karen, and sons William Jr. and. [1] The Celtics broke a league record by winning 52 games and Russell's strong performance once again helped lead the Celtics through the 1959 NBA playoffs, as they returned to the NBA Finals. As Russell takes to the stage to accept the award, some fans may grow curious about his family and children. Well, Karen Kenyatta had four important members in her family. He won more championships than any other NBA player and made the Boston Celtics one of the most successful franchises in the league's history. Bill answered, I played for the Celtics, period I did not play for Boston. [221] When Russell originally retired, he demanded that his jersey be retired in an empty Boston Garden. [115] While Russell long had sore feelings towards Boston, there was something of a reconciliation, and he visited the city regularly in his later years, something he never did in the years immediately after his retirement. A five-time NBA Most Valuable Player and a twelve-time All-Star, he was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty, winning eleven NBA championships during his . He was 88. Russell's Celtics went 5737 in the regular season against Chamberlain's teams and 2920 in the playoffs, Chamberlain's losing seven of the eight series. [6][7][8][9] Standing at 6ft 10in (2.08m) tall, with a 7ft 4in (2.24m) arm span,[10][11] his shot-blocking and man-to-man defense were major reasons for the Celtics' dominance during his career. "[65], In the 195859 NBA season, Russell averaged 16.7 points per game and 23.0 rebounds per game. Russell's family announced the legendary NBA center died at 88. During Russell's college career, the conference was known as the California Basketball Association. He worked hard and used the benefits of a growth spurt to become a decent basketball player. [188] On October 16, 2013, Russell was arrested for bringing his registered, loaded .38-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun to the SeattleTacoma International Airport. In addition to his career accomplishments, Russell was a prominent human rights activist in sports. [211] He was often called Felton X, presumably in the tradition of the Nation of Islam's practice of replacing a European slave name with an X and purchased land in Liberia. [58], At that time, Russell received much negative publicity as a player. [223], On September 26, 2017, Russell posted a photograph of himself to a previously unused Twitter account in which he was taking the knee in solidarity with the U.S. national anthem kneeling protests. 6 to be retired across NBA following legend's death last month", "Chat Transcript: Celtics Legend Bill Russell", "Russell 'So good, he scares you' Mikan", "Bill Russell Named Boston Celtic Coach; Basketball Star To Draw $125,001 Salary a Record for a Pro Coach or Manager He'll Take over Next Season", "Who's Better At Hoops: Bill Russell Or Frank Robinson? His daughter is Karen Russell, who is a television pundit and lawyer, and his sons are William Jr. and Jacob. William Felton Russell (February 12, 1934 July 31, 2022) was an American professional basketball player who played as a center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. [109], For most of his career, Russell and his perennial opponent Wilt Chamberlain were close friends. [47], The Harlem Globetrotters invited Russell to join their exhibition basketball squad. [204] At the time his additional role of coach was announced, Russell publicly stated he believed Red Auerbach's impact as a coach, regarding him as the greatest of all coaches, confined every or almost every relationship with each Celtic player to a strictly professional one. You are less. [5] Russell is the all-time playoff leader in total (4,104) and average (24.9) rebounds per game, he grabbed 40 rebounds in three separate playoff games (twice in the NBA Finals), and he never failed to average at least 20 rebounds per game in any of his thirteen playoff campaigns. She's also provided commentary on the high-profile cases of NBA players like Kobe Bryant and Jayson Williams. In the pivotal Game 7, Russell managed to hold Chamberlain to 22 points, 28 points below his season average, while scoring 19 points. Russell also had seven regular-season games with 40 or more rebounds, the NBA Finals record for highest rebound per game average (29.5, 1959) and by a rookie (22.9, 1957). [109] Russell was also notorious for his refusal to give autographs or acknowledge the Celtics fans, and was called "the most selfish, surly and uncooperative athlete" by one pundit. In Game 2, Philadelphia evened the series with a 115106 win and then went on to win Games 3 and 4. "[60] Before the 196162 season, Russell's team was scheduled to play in an exhibition game in Lexington, Kentucky, when Russell and his black teammates were refused service at a local restaurant. In these eleven games, Russell averaged 18.3 points and 29.4 rebounds. [205], Russell was known for his distinctive high-pitched laugh, of which Auerbach quipped: "There are only two things that could make me quit coaching. A morass to fight from. In 2014, after the unveiling of his statue at City Hall in Boston, Russell spoke a bit about his parents and what his life was like growing up. [80] As the game was tied, Russell had the daunting task of defending against Baylor with little frontline help: Loscutoff, Heinsohn, and Satch Sanders, the three best Celtics forwards, had fouled out. [109] He was so tense before every game that he regularly vomited in the locker room; early in his career, it happened so frequently that his fellow Celtics were more worried when it did not happen than when it did. His 1956 rookie contract was worth $24,000 (equivalent to $239,207 in 2021), only fractionally smaller than the $25,000 of top earner and teammate Bob Cousy. At 85 years old, he is still active going to watch basketball games with his wife Jeannine Russell, as he shows in his Instagram account. [179] In 1977, he married Dorothy Anstett, Miss USA of 1968;[179] they divorced in 1980. Rose Swisher (1956-1973) - Bill began dating his college acquaintance Rose Swisher in 1956, his senior year in college. A five-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) and a 12-time NBA All-Star, he was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career. William Lane Russell (Bill), age 78 of Tunnel Hill, Georgia died unexpectedly on November 24, 2020. Karen Kenyatta Russell is the daughter of NBA Icon Bill Russel. [4][8] While at USF, he and Jones helped pioneer a play that later became known as the alley-oop. Nothing went on outside the borders of the court. "[206] To teammates and friends, Russell was open and amicable; he was extremely distrusting and cold towards anyone else. The 11-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics and the first Black head coach in the league Bill Russell passed away at the age of 88 on Sunday. As the teams split the first six games, the tension was so high that in Game 3 Celtics coach Auerbach punched his colleague Ben Kerner and received a $300 fine. Reserve forward Alex Hannum threw a long alley-oop pass to Pettit and Pettit's tip-in rolled indecisively on the rim for several seconds before rolling out again. [5] Chamberlain said Russell's timing as a shot-blocker was unparalleled. However, it is reported that he lives with his wife Sara Marckx Russell in Washington State. Powered by. "Bill was the ultimate winner and consummate teammate, and his influence on the NBA will be felt forever," Silver added. When the Celtics drafted Chuck Cooper and they came into Washington, D.C., to sign his contract, Walter Brown the owner of the team walked up to him and said: 'Mr. Bill Russell, an 11-time NBA champion as a player and coach with the Boston Celtics and one of the most important figures in NBA history, has died at the age of 88, his family announced. [77], In the 1962 NBA Finals, the Celtics met the Los Angeles Lakers of forward Elgin Baylor and guard Jerry West. Johnny Havlicek stole the ball! By Bay City News and NBC Bay Area staff Published July 31, 2022 Updated on August 1, 2022 at 1:20 am. [120] Perennially wary of what he long perceived as a racist city, Russell decided to make amends and gave his approval. [19] Russell's father was once refused service at a gas station until the staff had taken care of all the white customers first. 4 in a similar list by The Athletic. Bill Russell, the NBA great who began his career in Oakland, anchored a Boston Celtics dynasty that won 11 championships in 13 yearsthe last two as the first Black head coach in any major U.S. sportand marched for civil rights with Martin Luther King Jr., died Sunday. And so the guy that owned the Celtics [Walter Brown] was [in addition to Auerbach for whom Russell expressed 'respect' and 'actual love'] another one of the fine, good, and decent human beings that I've ever encountered. The fans could do or think whatever they wanted. In Game 6, Russell recorded his first career triple-double with 19 points, 24 rebounds, and 10 assists as the Celtics won 119105. "[165] During the NBA All-Star Weekend on February 14, 2009, NBA Commissioner David Stern announced that the NBA Finals MVP award would be named after Russell. Dorothy, according to a 1968 Associated Press article, was one of nine children of an aircraft plant worker. 6 was retired in 1972; he also refused to attend his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1975. [1] The NBA reasoned that other centers were better all-round players than Russell but no player was more valuable to his team. He's the guy who whipped us psychologically. When the reporter asked how, Russell responded: "Because the most important factor is respect. Posted at 11:33 AM, Jul 31, 2022. and last updated 3:37 PM, Jul 31, 2022. The champion marched with Martin Luther King for civil rights. The NBA legend was a victim of racism, and not even his basketball fame helped him. Together, Russell and Swisher had three children: daughter Karen, and sons William Jr. and Jacob. The first team to start five black players was the Boston Celtics. The NBA great Bill Russell has died at age 88. He revealed that his mother died when he was 12. Boston then beat the Los Angeles Lakers 42 in the 1968 NBA Finals, giving Russell his tenth title in twelve years. Although Russell was a good runner and jumper and had large hands,[20] he did not understand the game and was cut from the team at Herbert Hoover Junior High School. One of the greatest players in NBA history, Bill Russell, is currently in his 4th marriage. [49] After the Celtics' 10889 victory, Schayes, who made Johnny Kerr come off the bench because he struggled against Russell in the regular season, quipped: "How much does that guy make a year? [49] He ranks No. [193][194] For his promotion to coach, the Celtics paid Russell an annual salary of $25,000 which was in addition to his salary as a player. Russell, who once said he owed the public nothing,[109] was not there; he ended his career and cut all ties to the Celtics. Chamberlain outscored Russell by 81 points in the series, but the Celtics walked off with a 42 series win. [41] While blocked shots were not a recorded basketball statistic during Russell's career, he averaged 8.1 blocks in 135 games, as Boston writers often attempted to tally his blocks. Auerbach had informed his players to not endorse candidates or causes, as it would alienate fans; Cousy campaigned for Ted Kennedy in 1962. Cash in on NFL Wild Card Weekend: Bet $5, Get $150 in Free Bets. They got married later that year on December 9, 1956, and have 3 children together - a daughter named Karen Russell (b. It notably did not mention the COVID-19 vaccine as his cause of death, so anyone who claims that they did (looking at Jason Pires of Vancouver Times!) While there is still progress to be made, the Hall of Famer should get a lot of credit for fighting against what was wrong. [131][132] In 2008, Russell received the Golden Plate Award of the Academy of Achievement. [50] Auerbach later said that Brown offered Harrison guaranteed performances of the Ice Capades if they did not draft Russell; it is difficult to verify or disprove this, but it is clear that the Royals underrated Russell. In May 30, it was announced that the former Celtics player would be receiving the Arthur Ashe Award at the ESPYs. However, Russell fought a long and tough battle off the court as well. She already does volunteer work as a tutor for underprivileged children in her hometown.. Russell's daughter, Karen, is a legal and political analyst, as well as a blogger. When Russell was eight years old, his father moved the family out of Louisiana and settled in Oakland, California. And so the Celticsall we looked for was: 'Can he play?' Today, Karen is 57 years old. [48], In the draft, Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach set his sights on Russell, thinking his defensive toughness and rebounding prowess were the missing pieces the Celtics needed. [128] Russell also received honorary degrees from Harvard University on June 7, 2007,[129] and from Dartmouth College on June 14, 2009. [104] After losing for the fifth straight time against Russell and the Celtics, Hall-of-Fame Lakers guard Jerry West stated: "If I had a choice of any basketball player in the league, my No. [55] Russell's first Celtics game came on December 22, 1956, against the St. Louis Hawks, led by star forward Bob Pettit, who would go on to hold several all-time scoring records. [118] Russell then served as general manager of the Kings during the 198889 season. [5][49], In the 196061 NBA season, Russell averaged 16.9 points and 23.9 rebounds per game,[1] leading his team to a regular season mark of 5722. Russell. He lost his mother when he was just 12 years old. 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