Bill Russell tragically passed away at age 88 this Sunday, his family announced on social media. The Boston Celtics legend was the biggest winner in NBA history, collecting 11 rings as a player in 13 seasons. He added more as a head coach, making history in the process.
Russell was a pioneer in many aspects for modern-day players, and even though not a lot of them saw him play, they had nothing but respect for the former center. He had memorable duels with Wilt Chamberlain on the court on his way to winning more than 10 rings, cementing a huge legacy.
Off the court, Russell was as relentless as he was with the ball in his hands, always trying to make things better for those who didn’t have his voice or his impact on the world. He was a leader when it came to social justice matters, transcending the game of basketball and becoming an activist, even when he was an active player.
That’s why he’s held in such high regard by those who came after him, as many players reacted to the terrible news of his death, sending messages on social media to show their love and respect for the legendary center. Current and former players, media members, and even NBA owners reacted to this news, demonstrating that Russell was incredibly beloved around the league.
This is a tremendous loss for the entire basketball world. Cookie and I are praying for the Bill’s family and loved ones, our NBA family, and the entire basketball community. 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/kJvF5uBZFI
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 31, 2022
Your attitude dictates everything
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) July 31, 2022
Thank you for everything! R.I.P Legend 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/tn2iGsArav
— Jayson Tatum (@jaytatum0) July 31, 2022
😢#6
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) July 31, 2022
Thanku for being a trailblazer , pioneer Thanku for setting the bar , for ur kind words of wisdom, Thanku for that great laugh u had . I can go on all day about what u meant to me . Today is a sad day for the NBA family u will be forever missed #6
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) July 31, 2022
I’m honored to be able to have spent time with you @RealBillRussell thank you for everything you stood for you #forever6
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 31, 2022
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 31, 2022
https://twitter.com/IsiahThomas/status/1553797801187938304
My deepest condolences to the family, loved ones and the @NBA community on the loss of the greatest champion we’ve ever known: BILL RUSSELL. An activist, a pioneer, a humanitarian. He made the world better for us all.#RIPCHAMPION
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 31, 2022
Rest In Peace Legend! 🙏🏽😞❤️ https://t.co/VhjGoIM8Ff
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) July 31, 2022
One of the most dominant players in @NBA History. An 11 times NBA Champion and one of the best to have ever done it.
I’ll forever be honored to have met you. Thank you for everything you have given to the game and all of us. Rest in peace, @RealBillRussell. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/HOouLIrXWv
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) July 31, 2022
RIP Legend 🙏🏽🕯 pic.twitter.com/xe0Lr7kxcC
— Nicolas Batum (@nicolas88batum) July 31, 2022
💔 R.I.P legend 🙏🏻 🐐 https://t.co/x5aCpkXPtg
— Jusuf Nurkić 🇧🇦 (@bosnianbeast27) July 31, 2022
RIP BILL RUSSELL pic.twitter.com/vzhaIQG2ZH
— Eric Gordon (@TheofficialEG10) July 31, 2022
🙏🏾 a full life . https://t.co/XPap7DrORL
— JJJ (@jarenjacksonjr) July 31, 2022
RIP pic.twitter.com/kStyLyDDGF
— Charles Oakley (@CharlesOakley34) July 31, 2022
https://twitter.com/IveyJaden/status/1553801790843457536
Bill Russell was a treasure as a player, coach and especially as a human being. @Lakers and @celtics fans can agree on this today. 😔💜💚😔 https://t.co/TTDfp9w8Zq
— Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) July 31, 2022
What a legend! #HugeRespect 🙏 https://t.co/t246k2if4R
— Manu Ginobili (@manuginobili) July 31, 2022
The world lost a legend with the passing of Bill Russell. His impact on basketball and society will not be forgotten. He handled every adversity with dignity and grace, and walked away a champion. My condolences to his family and those blessed enough to call him a friend.
— Patrick Ewing (@CoachEwing33) July 31, 2022
RIP Mr. Bill Russell.
A TRUE hero… pic.twitter.com/Eegq3wLhfC
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) July 31, 2022
RIP to the Legend Bill Russell
— Darius Garland (@dariusgarland22) July 31, 2022
The Great Bill Russell has always been my basketball idol.
Not because he won 11 NBA championships and 5 MVPs.
It was mainly for his stand for civil rights and social justice.
We have lost a great one.
I can remember my first time meeting him and being like a nervous (1/1)
— Alex English (@AlexEnglish_2) July 31, 2022
RIP to the Legend Bill Russell
— James Harden (@JHarden13) July 31, 2022
It was shocking to learn about this, more so knowing that Bill was such a great person who didn’t hesitate to make others laugh. He was a giant, a huge legend of the game, whose impact on the same will never be erased. He lived a full life, with ups and downs, but earned respect and admiration he deserved for going against the status quo to defend his people and make things better for them. Rest in peace, Bill.
