In the aftermath of Bill Russell’s death, the internet has been flooded with stories and shoutouts about the 11x champion.
With much of the NBA community having already issued a statement, Golden State’s Stephen Curry decided to chime in and honor the basketball legend for himself. While the two played in very different eras, Curry has met with Russell on multiple occasions, including for several of his title runs.
Here’s what he had to say in a short but sweet message on IG.
Trailblazer. Icon. Greatest Champ in basketball. Made the world on and off the court a better place. Thank you and rest easy! 11
Most people alive today never got to see Bill Russell play in person. He played in an era that is often forgotten or underappreciated by modern-day fans and experts.
Despite this, he left an impact that carried over through the decades and touched the lives of even the youngest active players today. He meant a lot to those who knew him or saw him, and he will be remembered as one of the great heroes of the NBA and the black community.
“Bill Russell’s passing is not just an NBA loss, it’s a world loss,” said Charles Barkley. “When your actions match your words on important issues, you are a great man, not just a great basketball player. The word ‘hero’ is tossed around a lot, but today it is perfect. RIP great man BR.”
Bill Russell challenged the narrative during a time when being black was considered a problem for society. But thanks, in part, to Bill Russell and athletes like him, the sports world opened up their minds and began to accept that it was okay to celebrate diversity.
It’s no wonder that Steph looked up to him so much. As a fellow winner and bucket-getter, he knows what it takes to come out on top and put your best foot forward.
