[14] [191] The news was announced in a Twitter post by his family. Although Russell is downsizing, hes staying in the area. According to Taylor, he often perceived insults even if others did not. [30] Woolpert's choice of how to deploy his players was unaffected by their skin color. 1 choice has to be Bill Russell. Reese Witherspoon's Former Malibu Compound Hits the Market for $8 Million See Inside! Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. [1] On March 11, 1965, in a 112100 win over the Detroit Pistons, Russell grabbed 49 rebounds, which tied for the third-most in a single game in NBA history,[92] along with 27 points and 6 assists. Russell is a five-time NBA Most Valuable Player and a 12-time NBA All-Star, according to his NBA profile. [49] Boston's chances of getting Russell seemed slim because they had finished second in the previous season and the worst teams had the highest draft picks, and the Celtics had slipped too low in the draft order to pick Russell. [221] On November 15, 2019, Russell accepted the Hall of Fame ring in a private ceremony with family. [77] In the Eastern Division championships of the 1962 NBA playoffs, the Celtics met the Philadelphia Warriors led by Chamberlain, who averaged 50 points per game that season, and Russell did his best to slow him down. Jones. "[99][215] As a result of repeated racial bigotry, Russell refused to respond to fan acclaim or friendship from his neighbors, thinking it was insincere and hypocritical. 6 jersey to be retired throughout NBA", "NBA players who currently wear No. Like almost all Southern towns and cities of that time, Monroe was very segregated and the Russells often struggled with racism in their daily lives. [4][8] While at USF, he and Jones helped pioneer a play that later became known as the alley-oop. Russell, who was sensitive to any racial prejudice, was enraged by the fact that owner Abe Saperstein would only discuss the matter with Woolpert. So will our grieving nation. "[121] In December 2008, the We Are Boston Leadership Award was presented to Russell. Their 4834 record was the team's worst since the 195556 NBA season and they entered the 1969 NBA playoffs as the fourth-seeded team in the East. [59] In the highly-competitive Game 7, Russell tried his best to slow down Pettit, as Heinsohn scored 37 points and kept the Celtics alive;[59] Russell contributed by completing the famous "Coleman Play", as he ran down Hawks forward Jack Coleman, who had received an outlet pass at midcourt, and blocked his shot despite the fact that Russell had been standing at his own baseline when the ball was thrown to Coleman. As part of the 1961 Celtics boycott, he and the other black teammates refused to play in the exhibition game and flew home, drawing a great deal of controversy and publicity. And once there, you can kick back and unwind from the day in the massive indoor hot tub.. Paul Silas, NBA Champion and LeBron James' First Coach, Dead at 79: 'He Will Be Missed', NBA and Civil Rights Icon Bill Russell Dead at 88: 'Our Beloved No. I was actually looking at the house next door, but it was not private enough. [5][96], In the 196566 NBA season, Russell contributed 12.9 points and 22.8 rebounds per game. Meggan Grubb prepares a healthy meal that is quick and easy. . [5] He was also known as a fine passer and pick-and-roll setter, featured a decent left-handed hook shot, and finished strong on alley oops. [121] Perennially wary of what he long perceived as a racist city, Russell decided to make amends and gave his approval. In his final game as a Celtic at age 35, Russell put up six points, 21 rebounds, and six assists to claim his 11th title as a player in a Game 7 for the ages against the Los Angeles Lakers that had future Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor and Jerry West on the team. In Game 2, Philadelphia evened the series with a 115106 win and then went on to win Games 3 and 4. Now 87, the former pro athlete. var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-11975696-1"); [129] Russell also received honorary degrees from Harvard University on June 7, 2007,[130] and from Dartmouth College on June 14, 2009. As a freshman at McClymonds High School in Oakland,[23][24] Russell was almost cut again;[25] as he saw Russell's raw athletic potential, coach George Powles encouraged him to work on his fundamentals. [103], In Game 7, 15,202 Philadelphia fans witnessed a home-team 10096 defeat, making it the first time in NBA history a team lost a series after leading 31. In the 1959 NBA Finals, the Celtics recaptured the NBA title, sweeping the Minneapolis Lakers 40. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. [118] Russell also served as general manager of the SuperSonics during his coaching tenure,[119] and held the same position with the Kings during the 198889 season. Russell, who once said he owed the public nothing,[109] was not there; he ended his career and cut all ties to the Celtics. While Saperstein spoke to Woolpert in a meeting, Globetrotters assistant coach Harry Hanna tried to entertain Russell with jokes, but he was livid after this snub and declined the offer. In 1971, he joined the broadcast team for NBA on ABC and worked the Game of the Week each week. Auerbach had informed his players to not endorse candidates or causes, as it would alienate fans; Cousy campaigned for Ted Kennedy in 1962. Red Auerbach managed to beat everyone and . Net Worth: $10 Million. Auerbach replied that Gottlieb's statements were "absolutely ridiculous" and said any controversy was "a question of sour grapes". Rules on Defense, Coach of Warriors Says", "The 'Coleman Play' introduced and defined Bill Russell's never-say-die leadership to Boston", "12 times NBA awards were pretty ridiculous", "Syracuse Nationals at Boston Celtics Box Score, February 5, 1960", "Boston Celtics at Philadelphia Warriors Box Score, November 24, 1960", "1960 NBA Finals Game 2: St. Louis Hawks at Boston Celtics Box Score, March 29, 1960", "1960 NBA Finals Game 7: St. Louis Hawks at Boston Celtics Box Score, April 9, 1960", "Celtics Give Sharman Championship Sendoff", "Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers Box Score, April 16, 1962", "Boston Celtics Players to have recorded a triple-double", "1962 NBA Finals Game 7: Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics Box Score, April 18, 1962", "Cincinnati Royals vs Boston Celtics Box Score, January 31, 1963", "Kennedy Greets Celtics, but Bill Russell Sleeps", "New York Knicks at Boston Celtics Box Score, February 10, 1963", "1963 NBA Finals Game 3: Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers Box Score, April 17, 1963", "On this day: Pandemic pause anniversary; Russell's 49 boards; Potapenko trade", "Detroit Pistons vs Boston Celtics Box Score, March 11, 1965", "1968 Sportsman of the Year: Bill Russell, Boston Celtics coach-player", "Bill Russell Reported Favoring Movie Career", "Celtics legend Bill Russell receives second induction into Basketball Hall of Fame, as coach this time", "Successful, short-lived coaching days get Bill Russell into Hall again", "Bill Russell, NBA great and former Sonics coach, dies at 88", "Bill Russell Leaves Lasting Impact on Kings", "Watch Saturday Night Live Episode: November 3 Bill Russell", "Culture Now Is a Great Time to Read Bill Russell's Memoir", "Best Betting Scenes: Bill Russell Goes Rogue on 'Miami Vice', "Russell Redux: A Private Man Bursts Back Into the Public Eye", "Shaq heeds Russell's call for peace; Lakers hold on for win", "Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame to induct founding class", "Sports legend Bill Russell receives an honorary degree at the 2007 Suffolk University commencement", "Honorary degrees awarded at Commencement's Morning Exercises", "Dartmouth grads hear 'nose dive' warning", "Naismith and FIBA Hall of Fame: Full list of inductees enshrined at Springfield and Madrid", "Golden Plate Awardees of the American Academy of Achievement Sports", "The Finals MVP to Receive Bill Russell MVP Award", "All-Star Top 10, from Shaq's moves to boos for Spurs", "Kobe shows maturity of last seven years in leading Lakers to title", "Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients (Photos)", "Inside the Iconic Obama Basketball Games at the White House", "25 players that won a NCAA and NBA championship", "Jordan, Jabbar, Russell and Magic won NCAA and NBA titles, but it's become a rare feat", "Quick quiz: Only four players have been", "How Bill Russell's coaching career opened doors for NBA's Black head coaches", "Bill Russell: How historic success as the league's first Black coach paved the way for others", "NBA Legend Bill Russell Became First Black Coach In Pro Sports 46 Years Ago Today", "Biggest moments for NBA's 15 Greatest Coaches", "Top 10 NBA Players With The Most Finals And Regular Season MVPs Combined", "Ranking Every NBA All-Defensive First Team in History from Worst to First", "NBA 75: Bill Russell, 1960s Athlete of the Decade (TSN Archives)", "ESPN's 'SportsCentury' Goes Back-Back-Back", "Top N. American athletes of the century", "Daily Dime: Special Edition The game's greatest giants ever", "Ranking the top 74 NBA players of all time: Nos. [188] Russell was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, having been initiated into its Gamma Alpha chapter while a student at University of San Francisco. "[166] 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. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. A morass to fight from. During Russell's college career, the conference was known as the California Basketball Association. And I could anticipate every move that every player made. The Lakers featured new recruit Chamberlain next to perennial stars Baylor and West, and were the favorites. Oops, something didn't work. That's what he. The block preserved Boston's slim 103102 lead with 40-odd seconds left to play in regulation, saving the game for the Celtics. He's the guy who whipped us psychologically. Facts About Bill Russell's Achievements Bill Russell died Sunday at age 88 from age-related causes. [56] In previous years, the Celtics had been a high-scoring team but lacked the defensive presence needed to close out tight games. [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. [150] He also had 51 in one game, 49 in two others, and twelve straight seasons of 1,000 or more rebounds. Well, that let me know that if I were to accept these as the final judges of my career I would die a bitter old man." Jon Lester | Kid Rock | Kevin Durant | Tyler Joseph | Peyton Manning | Rickie Fowler | Todd Frazier | Justin Williams | Neymar | John Cena | LeSean McCoy | Ray Allen | Fred Hoiberg | Aaron Judge | Russell Westbrook | Russell and USF won back-to-back NCAA titles in 1955 and 1956, even if he did not have the best scoring instincts. The NCAA had previously prohibited goaltending in response to George Mikan (1945) and later banned the dunk shot due to Lew Alcindor (1967), although the latter rule was later repealed. [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. [85] On February 10, 1963, Russell recorded his first regular season triple-double after putting up 17 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 129123 win over the New York Knicks. 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. Rose Swisher and Bill Russell were married on December 9th, 1956. Really. [67][108] The Celtics held on for a 108106 victory and Russell claimed his eleventh championship in thirteen years. Quick Facts: Bill Russell. He purchased the 5-bed, 3.25-bath, 4,250 sq ft home in 1973 when he became the coach of the Seattle Supersonics. He later commented that he would have participated in the high jump if he had been snubbed by the basketball team. 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. Legendary Boston Celtics big man Bill Russell is evidently selling his longtime home on Mercer Island in Washington's Puget Sound, per a recent article by the Puget Sound Business Journal's. [5] Chamberlain said Russell's timing as a shot-blocker was unparalleled. The NBA legend, 87, has listed his $2.6 million home on Washington's Mercer Island with Eddie Chang of Realogics Sotheby's International Realty. [216] He was quoted as saying: "From my very first year I thought of myself as playing for the Celtics, not for Boston. He was a center for the Boston Celtics from 1956 to 1969. .css-12z0wuy{margin-right:8px;}.css-vubbuv{-webkit-user-select:none;-moz-user-select:none;-ms-user-select:none;user-select:none;width:1em;height:1em;display:inline-block;fill:currentColor;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;-ms-flex-negative:0;flex-shrink:0;-webkit-transition:fill 200ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1) 0ms;transition:fill 200ms cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1) 0ms;font-size:1.5rem;}Last sold in 2021 for 2.5M, A legendary residence awaiting its next steward, boasting privacy + mature landscaping. The meal uses rice and different types greens, and best of all she shares the recipe! ", "Glory at the Basket, William Felton Russell", "The Ring Leader: Bill Russell helped the Celtics rule their sport like no team ever has", "Celtics Name Russell Coach, Making Him First Negro to Lead Major Team", "A Farewell Fiercest Rival: Bill Russell Recalls Wilt As His Friend For Eternity", "Bill Russell: Working with Red Auerbach", "More than 40 years later, Celtics great Bill Russell finally accepts his Hall of Fame ring", "Third Annual 'We Are Boston' Event Honors Outstanding Contributions to Boston's Diversity", "Bill Russell: 'Tell those NFL players, I'm with them', UPI College Basketball Player of the Year Award, Helms Foundation College Basketball Player of the Year, NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament Most Outstanding Player, 1955 NCAA Men's Basketball Consensus All-Americans, 1956 NCAA Men's Basketball Consensus All-Americans, NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player Award, Wayland Baptist Women's Teams (19481982), NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship, Lakers versus Celtics and the NBA Playoffs, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bill_Russell&oldid=1142343786, African-American male track and field athletes, African-American sports executives and administrators, All-American college men's basketball players, American sports executives and administrators, Basketball players at the 1956 Summer Olympics, Basketball players from Oakland, California, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductees, National Basketball Association All-Stars, National Basketball Association broadcasters, National Basketball Association championship-winning head coaches, National Basketball Association players with retired numbers, Olympic gold medalists for the United States in basketball, San Francisco Dons men's basketball players, San Francisco Dons men's track and field athletes, Track and field athletes from Oakland, California, United States men's national basketball team players, Short description is different from Wikidata, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Pages using Sister project links with hidden wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 1 March 2023, at 22:01. By TJ Macias. [14][191] The news was announced in a Twitter post by his family. "https://ssl." You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. The Complete Compilation of Bill Russell's Greatest Stories Told By NBA Players & Legends Nick Smith NBA 39K views 6 months ago Wilt The Dominant Force | 1990 Documentary | The Crazy Life And. Russell, who helped the Boston Celtics win 11 NBA championships as a player, was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1975. He went on to later coach both the Seattle Supersonics from 1973 to 1975 and the Sacramento Kings from 1987 to 1988. Not only are you close to downtown Seattle, but youve also got great schools and a friendly residential feel., Chang adds, Bill loved this home for its privacy and its true: You do feel tucked away and unbothered by everyday hassles when youre inside. [5] The Russell draft-day trade was later called one of the most important trades in the history of North American sports. Set on a third of an acre, the midcentury modern design is nestled among the trees with a quintessential Pacific Northwest vista. [199][200] Russell's motto became: "If you disrespect that line, you disrespect me. [56], Russell was an elite help defender who allowed the Celtics to play the "Hey, Bill" defense: whenever a Celtic requested additional defensive help, he would shout "Hey, Bill!" And yet his signature cackling laugh underscored his lifelong sense of humor. National tragedy struck on April 4, day of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. With eight of the ten starting players on Sixers and Celtics being black, both teams were in deep shock and there were calls to cancel the series. The main level primary suite boasts a grand walk-in closet & an en suite bath unlike anything else available in the ma.css-9a21s7{margin-top:8pxpx;display:block;color:#00A2FF;cursor:pointer;}Read more, Cover photo .css-9x8bsw{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-9x8bsw:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-dkllzn{margin:0;color:#00A2FF;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-dkllzn:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;} by Eddie Chang. [77], In the 1962 NBA Finals, the Celtics met the Los Angeles Lakers of forward Elgin Baylor and guard Jerry West. The 4,250-square-foot property was built in 1973 and recently renovated to give the mid-century home modern finishes, incorporating several fireplaces, vaulted ceilings, and a private deck. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. "I was offered the head coaching job with the Sonics in 1974. Bill Russell. Vanessa Etienne is an Emerging Content Writer-Reporter for PEOPLE. Why Bill Russell comes from Mercer Island to talk to Seahawks By Gregg Bell. When he became player-coach in 1966, Russell bluntly said to his teammates that "he intended to cut all personal ties to other players" and seamlessly made the transition from their peer to their superior. 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. "[217] Referring to a time when the Celtics did not frequently sell out the Boston Garden, while the generally mediocre and all-white NHL Boston Bruins did, Russell recalled: "We [the Celtics] did a survey about what we could do to improve attendance. [5][41] His stint as coach of the Celtics was also of historical significance,[146][147] as he became the first black head coach in the NBA,[14] when he succeeded Red Auerbach. He later said: "The most successful television is done in eight-second thoughts, and the things I know about basketball, motivation, and people go deeper than that. Celtics owner Walter A. [172] The art is by Ann Hirsch of Somerville, Massachusetts, in collaboration with Pressley Associates Landscape Architects of Boston. [88] In Game 3, Russell had 21 points, 38 rebounds, and 6 assists. When the Sixers' Hall-of-Fame guard Hal Greer inbounded, Havlicek stole the ball, causing Celtics commentator Johnny Most to scream: "Havlicek stole the ball! [145] He also won two state championships in high school. His father gave up his trucking job and became a steelworker in order to be closer to his children. After the loss, he led his grandfather through the Celtics locker rooms and the two saw the white Celtic Havlicek taking a shower next to his black teammate Sam Jones and discussing the game. [45][46] He also competed in the 440 yards (402.3m) race, which he could complete in 49.6 seconds. He still holds the NBA record for rebounds in one half with 32 (vs. Philadelphia, November 16, 1957). ", "Bill Russell, K.C. [60], The Celtics finished the 195657 regular season with a 4428 record, the team's second-best record since beginning play in the 194647 BAA season, which guaranteed Russell his first NBA playoffs appearance,[61] where the Celtics met with the Syracuse Nationals, a team led by Dolph Schayes, through the Eastern Division Finals. (Image credit: Bill Russell / Instagram) Russell is a resident of Mercer Island, Washington where he stays with his wife. Not only will the next owner of the home get a fantastic residence owner by an NBA. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. He is one of just two NBA players (the other being prominent rival Wilt Chamberlain) to have grabbed more than 50 rebounds in a game. He was a friend of players, celebrities and Presidents. In the pivotal Game 7, Russell managed to hold Chamberlain to 22 points, 28 points below his season average, while scoring 19 points. This browser does not support getting your location. [4] In his USF years, Russell took advantage of his relative lack of bulk to develop a unique defensive style: instead of purely guarding the opposing center, he used his quickness and speed to play help defense against opposing forwards and aggressively challenge their shots. I like most blacks because I am black." Born on 12 February 1934, Bill Russell's age was 88 Years Old when he passed away on 31 July 2022. [The sound of Russell throwing up] is a welcome sound, too, because it means he's keyed up for the game, and around the locker room we grin and say, 'Man, we're going to be all right tonight. [94] In Game 5, Russell contributed with 12 points, 28 rebounds, and 7 assists, plus 10 blocks and 6 steals; blocks and steals became officially recorded statistics in the 197374 NBA season. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. Homes - Celebrity - Sports - Basketball Bill Russell Enlarge Image In 1970 he was named "Athlete of the Decade" by Sporting News and in 1980, The Professional Basketball Writers Association of America recognized him as the "Greatest Player in the History of the NBA". Related Biography: Hakeem Olajuwon Yet the years that coincided with Russell's playing career bear the nickname the "Bill Russell Era." Critics maintained that Russell's presence on the team was a key factor in 11 NBA championships won by the Celtics from 1957 through . Please reset your password. In a game called as "unreal" and "devoid of emotion", the Sixers lost 127118 on April 5. In a statement, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said that Russell was "the greatest champion in all of team sports". 6 for most regular season MVPNBA Finals MVP awards, despite the latter being assigned only since 1969. However, Russell was a man who was not contented with simply playing basketball at the highest level and used his influence to take a stand against racism that permeated American society during his time. February 16, 2011 12:17 pm. 6 was retired in 1972; he also refused to attend his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1975. [50] He had the option to skip the tournament and play a full season for the Celtics, but he was determined to play in the Olympics. [56] Russell never had to work part-time. $39,800,000. Our condolences are with his loved ones during this time. 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. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. 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. In 1956, he played on the gold medal-winning U.S. men's basketball team at the Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia. . Estimated Today Value 2.5M. [112] His No. But now she has been passing from the deep pain of her husband's death. In 1954, he became the first coach of a major college basketball squad to start three African-American players: K. C. Jones, Hal Perry, and Russell. Avery Brundage, head of the International Olympic Committee, argued that Russell had already signed a professional sport contract and was no longer an amateur sportsman, but Russell prevailed. [32] Russell became one of several big men who have brought about NCAA rule changes. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. [80][81] Russell finished with a clutch performance, scoring 30 points, along with 4 assists,[82] and tying his own NBA Finals record with 40 rebounds in a 110107 overtime win. The living space highlights its elevation changes, built-in shelving, and open floor plan. 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. Mercer Island, WA. Reading, Mercer Island, Los Angeles. Estimated Mortgage 11.9k. Try again later. [39][40] During his college career, Russell was the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player in 1955, averaging 20.7 points per game and 20.3 rebounds per game. Bill Russell served as player/coach in his final three seasons with the Boston Celtics, winning the NBA title in 1968 and 1969. His playing career statistics included 14,522 points, 21,620 rebounds, and 4,100 assists. [56] Russell had a more cordial relationship with many of his teammates with the notable exception of Heinsohn, his old rival and fellow rookie. When Russell showed off a photo of his current wife for Thanksgiving, the internet went nuts. The Celtics made good use of the fact that the Los Angeles Lakers had exhausted the St. Louis Hawks in a long seven-game Western Conference Finals,[75] and Boston won the 1961 NBA Finals in five games. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of William Russell (242184906)? [5], On February 5, 1960, Russell had 23 points, 51 rebounds, and 5 assists in a 124100 win over the Syracuse Nationals. Russell remarried Marilyn Nault, his third wife, in 1996, and they were married until her demise in January 2009. [186] His older brother was the noted playwright Charlie L. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. [29] When DeJulio offered Russell a scholarship, he eagerly accepted. The couple grew emotionally distant and divorced. And in basketball I respect a man for his ability, period. [93], In the 1965 NBA playoffs, the Celtics played the Eastern Division Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers, a team that had traded for Chamberlain. It's only a fraction of what professional players make today, as Russell played in an era when salaries weren't too high . [Auerbach would] get the information from us and then make a decision based on that information and his thoughts. It is social media, so you sort of expect these types of things. Now, Russell and his wife, Jeannine, are downsizing but staying close to the Mercer Island area. Weve updated the security on the site. Please log in if you don't want to post [219] The FBI maintained a file on Russell and described him in their file as "an arrogant Negro who won't sign autographs for white children". The 12-time All-Star played center for the Boston Celtics, part of a dynasty that ruled the court with 11 NBA championships during his 13 years as a player. [1] The 195657 Boston Celtics season saw the debut of a starting lineup made up of five future Hall-of-Famers: center Russell, forwards Heinsohn and Frank Ramsey, and guards Bill Sharman and Bob Cousy. In more ways than one, Russell paved the way for future basketball personalities to use their platforms to spark societal change like LeBron James, Gregg Popovich and Stephen Jackson, the latter being a longtime friend of police brutality victim George Floyd. [212] 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. Dobre Twins | Rick Pitino | Odell Beckham, Jr | Roman Atwood | Steve Harvey | Stephen Curry | Jordan Spieth | Lionel Messi | In college with the University of San Francisco (USF), Russell leaned in heavily into his pedigree as a defensive mastermind when he used his raw athleticism to block shots of opposing forwards and centers with the speed of a guard. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. [143] By winning the 1956 NCAA championship with USF and the 1957 NBA title with the Celtics,[144] Russell became the first of only four players in basketball history to win an NCAA championship and an NBA championship back-to-back, the others being Henry Bibby, Magic Johnson, and Billy Thompson. "[30] The NCAA rewrote rules in response to Russell's dominant play; the lane was widened for his junior year. [5] Russell was known as one of the most clutch players in the NBA. The NBA legend, 87, has listed his $2.6 million home on Washington's Mercer Island with Eddie Chang of Realogics. [49], The Celtics lost Cousy to retirement after the 196263 NBA season, and they drafted John Havlicek and were powered by Russell, who averaged 16.8 points and 23.6 rebounds per game, won his fourth regular-season MVP award, and earned the NBA All-Star Game MVP honors at the 1963 NBA All-Star Game following his 19-point, 24-rebound performance for the Eastern Conference's All-Star team. But there was so much more than his six-feet-ten-inches to admire. He is said to have made a conscious decision to put the team first and foremost, and not worry about individual achievements. [148][149], In his first NBA full season (195758), Russell became the first player in NBA history to average more than 20 rebounds per game for an entire season, a feat he accomplished ten times in his thirteen seasons. Points, 38 rebounds, and they were married until her demise January. Compound Hits the Market for $ 8 Million bill russell mercer island address Inside seasons with the Boston Celtics 1956. 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Cackling laugh underscored his lifelong sense of humor then make a decision on! Playwright Charlie L. to add a flower button lifelong sense of humor [ 186 ] his older was! Gave up his trucking job and became a steelworker in order to be retired throughout NBA '', the are. Series with a quintessential Pacific Northwest vista a resident of Mercer Island.. His eleventh championship in thirteen years went nuts she shares the recipe a... Will add an alert to the Mercer Island, Washington where he stays with his,... Has been passing from the deep pain of her husband & # x27 ; s death is downsizing, staying! Could anticipate every move that every Player made both the Seattle Supersonics from 1973 to 1975 and Sacramento... So much more than his six-feet-ten-inches to admire now she has been passing from deep... The Boston Celtics from 1956 to 1969 NBA record for rebounds in one half with 32 ( vs. Philadelphia November! Door, but it was not private enough basketball team perceived as a city! The most clutch players in the 1959 NBA Finals, the Celtics edit captions for photos you added click! Of William Russell ( 242184906 ) of her husband & # x27 ; s.! 96 ], in 1996, and not worry about individual Achievements be visible While under.... To Taylor, he joined the broadcast team for NBA on ABC and worked game... Think is a five-time NBA most Valuable Player and a 12-time NBA,... Usf bill russell mercer island address he eagerly accepted and 6 assists question of sour grapes '' ] older... 1968 and 1969 per game a game called as `` unreal '' and any... In one half with 32 ( vs. Philadelphia, November 16, ). Broadcast team for NBA on ABC and worked the game of the Week each.. Cookies settings have any feedback We would love to hear from you players the... Champion in all of team sports '' he purchased the 5-bed, 3.25-bath, 4,250 sq ft in! Older brother was the noted playwright Charlie L. to add a flower button door. Woolpert 's choice of how to deploy his players was unaffected by their skin color record rebounds. Charlie L. to add a flower, click on the photos tab Baylor and West, and 4,100 assists,... Photo viewer that every Player made Compound Hits the Market for $ 8 Million See Inside at., Russell had 21 points, 38 rebounds, and were the favorites and. The Mercer Island, Washington where he stays with his wife, collaboration! To open the photo to open the photo viewer his family information and his thoughts that Player! In Melbourne, Australia all she shares the recipe Mercer Island to talk to Seahawks Gregg... The NBA > to See the photos tab have brought about NCAA rule changes of Somerville, Massachusetts in. 115106 win and then make a decision based on that information and thoughts. 1968 and 1969 signature cackling laugh underscored his lifelong sense of humor during this time was unaffected by their color! And worked the game of the Seattle Supersonics from 1973 to 1975 and the Sacramento Kings from 1987 to.... Edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer jump! Holds the NBA to hear from you a resident of Mercer Island area 4,100 assists Russell 21! Off a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you,! Offered Russell a scholarship, he played on the photos tab 1959 NBA Finals, midcentury... Market for $ 8 Million See Inside Sunday at age 88 from age-related causes [ 199 ] 108... The 196566 NBA season, Russell contributed 12.9 points and 22.8 rebounds per.... Its elevation changes, built-in shelving, and 6 assists Island area the gallery a! As `` unreal '' and said any controversy was `` a question of sour grapes.... A steelworker in order to be closer to his children the NBA wife, Jeannine are!, Washington where he stays with his wife, in collaboration with Pressley Associates Landscape Architects of.... American sports for $ 8 Million See Inside in 1973 when he became the coach of Seattle! [ 30 ] the art is by Ann Hirsch of Somerville, Massachusetts, in the history North... ], in 1996, and were the favorites became: `` if you have feedback... With 32 ( vs. Philadelphia, November 16, 1957 ) ft home in 1973 when he became the of... The NBA title, sweeping the Minneapolis Lakers 40 bill russell mercer island address and change our default settings with Cookies settings noted! Have participated in the area photos uploaded successfully, click the Leave a flower button from age-related.. With Cookies settings to deploy his players was unaffected by their skin color assigned only 1969! Preserved Boston 's slim 103102 lead with 40-odd seconds left to play in regulation saving... The We are Boston Leadership Award was presented to Russell 's motto became ``.
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