"Changed the league for the better", "RIP NBA wouldn't be where it is today without the likes of #6" - NBA Fans send in reactions as they mourn the loss of Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell
The basketball world mourned the loss of one of its greatest athletes as Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell passed away at the age of 88 on July 31. Joining in on grieving the loss, NBA fans shared their reactions to the news.
Bill Russell was one of the most celebrated and successful North American sportspeople in history. Having played in the NBA for 13 years, Russell emerged as a champion in 11 of those campaigns. He also became the first African-American head coach in league history.
Russell's illustrious career saw several contributions to the game of basketball as well as a long fight towards advocating for social justice. Making use of his platform for the betterment of society, Russell was truly a giant of an individual on and off the court.
Remembering the great man that he was, several fans sent in their reactions to the news of his passing. Here are some of the best reactions from Twitter:
@BleacherReport RIP to one of the greatest athletes of all time.
@BleacherReport Life it too short, it’s a ticking time bomb and today we lost the OG of OG’s. RIP to a great, fly high king 👑 https://t.co/QBwajo2r1d
@TheNBACentral Sad news, rest in peace legend🙏💚
Man… Bill Russell.
One of the most important athletes who ever lived. And one of the greatest. RIP.
@BleacherReport Any true basketball fan will feel this loss. The sport you love now wouldn’t be what it is without Bill Russell. He fought so the black players you all love today could play. He was a true champion on and off the court.
@BleacherReport Changed the league for the better https://t.co/lSIRyIMVkt
@ShamsCharania RIP nba wouldn’t be where it is today without the likes of #6
Bill Russell used to wake up to hatred everyday before a game and just told himself I'm gonna dominate regardless, unreal discipline and strength.
@HoHighlights Rest In Peace Ring Goat
@ShamsCharania The greatest winner in American sports history. Rest In Peace Mr. Russell https://t.co/gvSkqEVpZb
RIP legend@ShamsCharania Noooooooo 😢 RIP legend
@ShamsCharania Noooo wayyyy. RIP Bill 🙏
@ShamsCharania Rest In Peace to the greatest basketball player of all time 🙏
@ShamsCharania Rest In Peace to a basketball legend
🤝Bill Russell had the most contagious laughter, always filled the room with smiles
RIP legend 💜💛🤝
https://t.co/BmXAbnp3Fl
Although Russell played the entirety of his career with the Boston Celtics, he made an impact on a much larger scale. Russell was a winner in every sense of the word.
After a career that spawned new opportunities for African-American athletes in the NBA, the legend will always be remembered for his numerous contributions.
Bill Russell's career and life outside the NBA
As mentioned earlier, Bill Russell was a winner in every sense of the word. Although his NBA titles have been the center of his achievements on the floor, Russell was also a two-time NCAA champion. He also led the USA to an Olympic gold in 1956.
After being drafted by the Boston Celtics under Red Auerbach, Russell became a titan in the league. Grabbing rebounds and earning a reputation as a defensive stopper, Russell took the Celtics to unbelievable heights.
RIP BILL RUSSELL
11 x NBA Champion as player
2 x NBA Champion as coach
2 x NCAA Champion
5 x NBA MVP
134 games w/ 30+ REB
3 games w/ 30 PTS & 30 REB
8 games w/ 40+ REB
1 game w/ 50 REB (23 PTS & 51 REB)
Way more athletic than you think!
https://t.co/6NlOMrUmNY
The legend faced off against other greats as well. Whether it saw a matchup against Wilt Chamberlain or facing off against the LA Lakers and Jerry West in the NBA Finals, Russell dominated on every front.
Into the #NBAVault for Game 7 of the 1969 #NBAFinals:
BOS 108 - LAL 106
John Havlicek: 26 PTS, 9 REB, 5 AST
Sam Jones: 24 PTS, 7 REB
Bill Russell: 6 PTS, 21 REB, 6 AST
Jerry West: 42 PTS, 13 REB, 12 AST
Elgin Baylor: 20 PTS, 15 REB, 7 AST
Wilt Chamberlain: 18 PTS, 27 REB https://t.co/PNEGYxO6Pn
Off the court, Russell continued to advocate for social justice. Often seen alongside renowned figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., the basketball star was an active presence on the civil rights front.
He also openly supported Muhammad Ali's refusal to be drafted by the US military, a controversial matter given the political climate at the time.
On June 4, 1967, Muhammad Ali and a group of leading Black athletes held a press conference in Cleveland after Ali announced his refusal to serve in the military and Vietnam. Bill Russell, Jim Brown and Kareem Abdul Jabbar were among the athletes on hand to show support. https://t.co/D1qsPxElT1
Russell's illustrious basketball career came to an end after a win in the 1969 NBA Finals. He briefly worked as an executive for the Seattle Supersonics and the Sacramento Kings as well, but that wasn't a very successful venture.
Bill Russell will always be remembered as one of the greatest to ever do so. With his #6 jersey hanging in the rafters in Boston and a legacy that has been passed down for generations, he has been immortalized.