OT: Legend Bill Russell Dead at 88

[oldude]

Russell’s incredible career average of 22.45 rebounds per game is second only to Chamberlain’s 22.89. When you consider that Wilt had 5” and 55 lbs on Russell you can make a case that Russell was the greatest rebounder in the history of basketball.

 

[BBallF]

Russell’s incredible career average of 22.45 rebounds per game is second only to Chamberlain’s 22.89. When you consider that Wilt had 5” and 55 lbs on Russell you can make a case that Russell was the greatest rebounder in the history of basketball.

I don't think there is any question about it. He also invented and then perfected the art of starting a fast break with a block to a teammate.

 

[BBallF]

!0 and 0 in Game 7s. 11 rings, 8 in a row. The only interruption other than 1958 was the powerhouse 76ers team in 67 with Wilt, Lucius Jackson, Walker, Cunningham, Jones and Greer. He was the greatest team player in the history of sport. He was also one of the best analysts the NBA has ever seen with perhaps only Hubie Brown being in his company. Russell knew exactly what a team would do in a given situation.

It's a shame he never had a really talented team to coach except his Celtics. The first black coach in the NBA, he did it first as a player coach without any assistant coaches who had not been invented at the time. The Celtics won two of three titles when he was the player coach including the incredible last dance when they beat the Lakers in LA and West was named MVP, the only time a player from a losing team was named. He transformed the sport and few athletes are so influential that they have a synergistic effect on society as well. Many, many coaches and players have stood on his shoulders and many, many more will continue to do so in the future. Sunday afternoon Wilt against Russell was just iconic.

 

[Carnac]

Mr. Russell is at the very top all by himself. No one, from any sport, can match him.

Like it or not, like him or not, HE set the standard if you judge “ALL TIME” greatness by the number of championships won.

I remember Magic Johnson saying that when a player retires, the only thing people are going to remember about you is how many championships you won.

 

[NY Fan]

Back in the day when Johnny Carson took time off, substitute guest hosts came on and were generally forced and dull (with the exception of Joan Rivers). Bill Russell was guest host and moved the show right along and was truly entertaining. RIP Bill Russell, stil the GOAT!

 

[OldSchooler]

My mistake -- Ted Williams' HOF induction was in 1966. I should have known, since I was there that day.

 

[Steelerone]

I cannot understand people who argue about the "GOAT" and then throw out names like Jordan, Bird, James, Chamberlain and Abdul-Jabbar. If you want to know the truth, Bill Russell is probably looking down from heaven right now, laughing, counting his rings, and making a list of the number of teammates he played with who are now, themselves, in the Hall Of Fame because they were fortunate enough to play with one William Russell.

 

[TCC Kid]

View attachment 77904

Russell’s incredible career average of 22.45 rebounds per game is second only to Chamberlain’s 22.89. When you consider that Wilt had 5” and 55 lbs on Russell you can make a case that Russell was the greatest rebounder in the history of basketball.

I was an avid Bill Russell Player fan, he made me into a more knowledgeable basketball fan when he became a "color commentator". His voice during the game, taught the game. I played for years before that. His understanding the details, in's and out's of the game, was enlightening. I thought he was 10 years my junior, we could have gone to different schools together. I miss him already. Thanks Oldude, he'd have loved your comment above.
Correct me if I'm wrong: Bill or Mr Russell, more properly, played for U San Francisco 0R the U of -- one of their last teams, or did they begin again?
One of his comments stayed with me--it was so true. He said something like --You get 4 fouls and you're out. His broadcast partner corrected with --no it''s Five. You get 4, with the next one you are OUT" replied Mr Russell.

 

[TCC Kid]

I cannot understand people who argue about the "GOAT" and then throw out names like Jordan, Bird, James, Chamberlain and Abdul-Jabbar. If you want to know the truth, Bill Russell is probably looking down from heaven right now, laughing, counting his rings, and making a list of the number of teammates he played with who are now, themselves, in the Hall Of Fame because they were fortunate enough to play with one William Russell.

Thank you. I had the pleasure, it was real pleasure, to watch him play on the "tube". Years later I had the HONOR to listen to him preach "the game" as he did the "color commentary". If Bill ain't there, I'm not going!