Bill Russell’s Legacy

Center Bill Russell was a one-of-a-kind player. On the Boston Celtics from 1956 to 1969, he is the only player to ever win 11 championship rings. Russell was a generational talent, a top 10 player of all time who was able to shut down legend Wilt Chamberlain, who was averaging crazy numbers at the time. In fact, Chamberlain was the only player to ever score 100 points in one NBA game, but even Chamberlain struggled when up against  Russell’s regular, impenetrable defense. 

One true measure of Russell’s greatness is the NBA is planning to retire jersey number 6 from the NBA permanently in honor of Russell. This will be the first time in NBA history that a jersey number is retired across all teams in the league. Looks like Lebron may need to switch back to his old number, 23. 

Although Russell wasn’t a high scorer, his highest was actually only 37, he will be rememebered for his incredible defense and the 11 NBA championships he took the Celtics to. He may have even made it to 12 had he not injured his ankle during the 1958 finals. It’s always sad when an NBA legend passes away, but his legacy will live on, his retired number 6 will make sure of that.