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CHARLOTTE, N.C – The family of defensive rebounding star Bill Russell stated the 88-year-old died Sunday, July 31st.

According to a statement posted on Russell’s Twitter account, the 88-year-old died peacefully with his wife, Jeannine at his side.

Russell had a remarkable career, throughout his time in Boston, he carried the Celtics to the NBA Finals 12 times with a whopping 11 championship wins.

The 6-foot-9 center revolutionized the game, with his calculated defensive maneuvers. Also by being the first Black player to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975, and in 1980 he was voted Greatest Player in the History of the NBA by the Professional Basketball Writers Association of America.

Those who valued the basket all-star released statements in regards to his passing.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver referred to Russell as “the greatest champion in all of team sports” in a statement Sunday.

“I cherished my friendship with Bill and was thrilled when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. I often called him basketball’s Babe Ruth for how he transcended time. Bill was the ultimate winner and consummate teammate, and his influence on the NBA will be felt forever,”

 



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