RIP Bill Russell
Some words from Sue Bird and Coach Noelle Quinn on his passing.
This past Sunday, the basketball world lost an absolute legend of the game. We learned that 11-time NBA Champion Bill Russell had passed away. I was initially going to include this in my Game Recap from Sunday but I felt this moment deserved its own article.
The official Bill Russell Twitter account announced his passing.
Russell is one of basketball’s greatest players. A two-time NCAA collegiate champion at the University of San Francisco, Russell was drafted 2nd overall in the 1956 NBA Draft. He would go on to win 11 NBA Championships for the Boston Celtics during his 13-year career. Including his final two as a player-coach. He took over coaching duties from Red Auerbach and became the first African American head coach in NBA history.
He was a 12-time All-Star and 5-time league MVP during his career. He also averaged more than 20 RPG in 10 of his 13 seasons. Bill was one of just two players in NBA history to grab more than 50 rebounds in a single game! In 2009, the NBA Finals MVP award was named after him. While not an elite offensive player, Russell was known as one of the greatest defensive players of all time. His defense and rebounding were huge keys to the Celtics winning all those titles during his era.
Russell coached the Seattle SuperSonics for four seasons between 1973 and 1977. He was the first head coach to lead the Sonics to the playoffs during the 1974-75 season. He fell in love with the region and spent his retirement years on Mercer Island.
You could occasionally spot him in the crowd attending Sonics and Storm games over the years.
President Barack Obama honored him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work as a Civil Rights activist.
After the Storm’s game on Sunday, I spoke with Coach Noelle Quinn and Sue Bird about his passing and they gave their heartfelt comments.
“We honored him before the game. He’s a legend in our game. He’s the standard when you think about winning multiple championships and just being a winner in life. I remember, as a player, he was at some games. He came into the locker room and spoke with us. He was a big advocate of women’s basketball specifically the Storm. Just having him around was an awesome feeling just to know a legend of the NBA, that he really cherishes the game of basketball. But also on the women’s side, to be such a fan and a supporter, I think that was huge. All the love and respect to him and his family during this time. We lost a legend; hopefully, we’ll continue to honor him and make sure we uplift his legacy at all times.” Coach Quinn stated.
Sue Bird shared her thoughts.
“We are all sad to hear about Bill Russell’s passing. His legendary basketball career speaks for itself. Someone who really started the idea of an athlete activist. He did with his play on the court, obviously the championships and what he meant to the NBA. But even more importantly, his work off the court. I think we all have looked to him as a role model and inspiration on how to conduct ourselves in that way. He and his family were living in Seattle. We were very fortunate to get to spend time with him at different moments. It was not uncommon to find him at Storm games, especially in the playoffs. He set the standard, he set the bar on and off the court. He will be missed. Obviously, all of our condolences go to his family. Rest in peace Bill!” Bird said from the heart.
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The great Bill Russell! Nobody did it better on defense! At the time I liked the flashier Wilt Chamberlain "The Big Dipper" because he was all about massive offensive production including scoring 100 points in a game but the proof of greatness was in all the Championships Bill Russell won. He was untouchable in that!