With All-Star festivities in full swing, the NBA made sure not to waste the opportunity to honor a treasured legend. This year, Celtics legend and 11x Champion Bill Russell passed away at 88 years old, leaving a hole in the hearts of countless basketball fans worldwide.
Since his passing, the NBA has gone out of its way to remember and honor one of the sport’s greatest icons, which continued into All-Star weekend.
On Sunday, hours before the big game, the NBA decided to dedicate another moment to the 12x All-Star with a speech at the NBA Legends Awards show.
“A regular guest is not with us this year,” said TNT broadcaster Ernie Johnson. “He approached every game in his life without fear. We’re thankful for 88 years of Bill Russell. This league’s greatest champ, equal parts grit and hustle. Pause now and let’s silence alone. Bill’s table this morning has one empty chair.”
"We're thankful for 88 years of Bill Russell. This league's greatest champ, equal parts grit and hustle."@TurnerSportsEJ's tribute to Bill Russell at the NBA Legends Awards #NBAAllStar https://t.co/4EYHzQhw8w
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 19, 2023
Even after his retirement from the NBA, Bill Russell continued to be a champion for the people, using his status, influence, and platform to make a difference in the lives of so many people. Thanks to his career and fearlessness, he helped pave the way for countless black athletes to follow in his shoes and succeed during a time when racial tensions were very different.
Bill Russell Is One Of The GOATs
When talking about the greatest players in NBA history, fans often mention guys like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. But Russell has a strong case for being considered in that same tier.
As a 12x All-Star, 11x All-NBA player, 5x MVP, and 11x champion with the Celtics, he’s arguably the greatest winner in sports history, and his career in the NBA holds up against anyone.
So it’s only fitting that Russell is recognized as they celebrate the current and former stars who helped bring so much success to the league.
While Russell is no longer here with us, stories of his dominant play, kind heart, and courageous spirit will ensure he is immortalized in the NBA history books forever.
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