Today, the NBA world continues to mourn the passing of basketball legend Bill Russell. After being announced dead this morning, many prominent figures in the league offered their condolences and shared their own experiences with the 11x champion.
On Twitter, even former U.S. President Barack Obama felt compelled to make a statement honoring the Celtics legend.
Today, we lost a giant. As tall as Bill Russell stood, his legacy rises far higher—both as a player and as a person.
Perhaps more than anyone else, Bill knew what it took to win and what it took to lead. On the court, he was the greatest champion in basketball history. Off of it, he was a civil rights trailblazer—marching with Dr. King and standing with Muhammad Ali.
For decades, Bill endured insults and vandalism, but never let it stop him from speaking up for what’s right. I learned so much from the way he played, the way he coached, and the way he lived his life.
Michelle and I send our love to Bill’s family, and everyone who admired him.
Today, we lost a giant.
As tall as Bill Russell stood, his legacy rises far higher—both as a player and as a person.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 31, 2022
Bill Russell is obviously one of the most accomplished players ever. In just 13 seasons, he was a 12x All-Star, 11x champion, and 5x MVP. He averaged 15.1 points, 22.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game on 44% shooting for his career.
But mostly, Bill will be remembered for all that he did off the floor. Standing alongside giants like Muhammad Ali and Martin Luther King Jr., he vocalized his support for a more united and appreciative society.
The fact that so many voices, both in the NBA and outside it, are speaking in honor of Russell proves how impactful he was to the world and all of those who passed through his life.
