'Answer the Call:' A documentary featuring Bill Russell’s conversations over the phone with NBA legends
Hall of Famer Bill Russell remained a staple of the league long after his retirement. The basketball icon was frequently seen chopping it up with current players while in attendance at games. Often seen with a smile on his face, Russell loved engaging with future generations of hoopers while sharing his wisdom.
According to NBA players, Russell was the exact same person behind the scenes as he was in front of the cameras. His interactions with players through phone calls will be the subject of a new hour-long docuseries. "Bill Russell: Answer the Call" is set to premier Monday at 11 p.m. ET on NBA TV this week.
The series will see NBA legends and figures like commissioner Adam Silver open up on their conversations with Russell. From Isiah Thomas to Shaquille O'Neal, the special will feature plenty of footage and firsthand testimony of Russell's impact.
According to Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal, every conversation he had with Bill Russell was a memorable one.
See the trailer for the documentary below, and hear from several past NBA stars about the matter in the video below.
"Every conversation I had with Mr. Russell was memorable." @SHAQ
Bill Russell: Answer The Call premieres Monday at 11 PM ET on NBA TV https://t.co/FQpGoIWwnx
Bill Russell's impact on and off the floor
As one of the most accomplished athletes in the history of American sports, Russell was a two-time NCAA champion in college. In addition to his success on the basketball court, Russell was also an accomplished collegiate track and field athlete. After a spectacular collegiate career, Russell was drafted second by the St. Louis Hawks before winding up on the Boston Celtics.
As a member of the Boston Celtics, Russell was an 11-time champion, five-time MVP and 12-time All-Star. During that time, Russell also made massive contributions to the civil rights movement.
Bill Russell's involvement in the civil rights movement
Throughout his life and professional career, Russell cemented his place as an advocate during the civil rights movement. During his time with the Boston Celtics, Russell famously took part in the March on Washington alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. For those unfamiliar, the March on Washington was when King gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech.
Russell also made headlines for his activism when he stood up for Muhammad Ali. During the Vietnam War, the United States began to draft eligible citizens to go fight overseas. When Ali's number was called, he refused to serve in the U.S. armed forces. As a result, he was stripped of his heavyweight title and issued a five-year prison sentence for draft dodging.
During the scandal, Russell was an advocate for Ali. While the former heavyweight champ remained adamant that he wouldn't go fight an enemy he had no quarrel with, Russell stood by his side. The two were even famously photographed together at a summit of Black athletes supporting Ali.
Check out the video below that highlights Russell's involvement in the civil rights movement.