The NBA community is mourning the passing of one of its all-time greats, 11-time NBA champion Bill Russell, a former star forward for the Boston Celtics. Russell’s family sent a statement on social media Sunday morning announcing his passing at 88. After just a few hours, that statement has been met by hundreds of others, from fans, media, and current and former NBA players, including the Portland Trail Blazers, paying honor to the great.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Issues a Statement
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement praising Russell’s “immense impact on our league and broader society.”
“Bill Russell was the greatest champion in all of team sports. The countless accolades that he earned for his storied career with the Boston Celtics – including a record 11 championships and five MVP awards – only begin to tell the story of Bill’s immense impact on our league and broader society.
“Bill stood for something much bigger than sports: the values of equality, respect and inclusion that he stamped into the DNA of our league. At the height of his athletic career, Bill advocated vigorously for civil rights and social justice, a legacy he passed down to generations of NBA players who followed in his footsteps. Through the taunts, threats and unthinkable adversity, Bill rose above it all and remained true to his belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.
“For nearly 35 years since Bill completed his trailblazing career as the league’s first Black head coach, we were fortunate to see him at every major NBA event, including the NBA Finals, where he presented the Bill Russell Trophy to the Finals MVP.
AD“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. We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Jeannine, his family and his many friends.”
Statement From the Boston Celtics
As a tribute to Russell’s famous jersey number, the Boston Celtics organization has changed its official Twitter profile image to a No. 6 and made this statement:
To be the greatest champion in your sport, to revolutionize the way the game is played, and to be a societal leader all at once seems unthinkable, but that is who Bill Russell was. (1/4)
Bill was a champion unlike any other in the history of team sports – an 11-time NBA champion, including winning eight consecutive titles, a five-time MVP, an Olympic Gold Medalist and the NBA’s first Black head coach. (2/4)
Bill Russell‘s DNA is woven through every element of the Celtics organization, from the relentless pursuit of excellence, to the celebration of team rewards over individual glory, to a commitment to social justice and civil rights off the court. (3/4)
Our thoughts are with his family as we mourn his passing and celebrate his enormous legacy in basketball, Boston, and beyond. (4/4)
Reactions From Current and Former Blazers
Clyde Drexler reacted to Russel’s death by praising his world-class talent, humor, and intelligence, according to KHOU-TV sportscaster Matt Musil.
More from Clyde on Bill Russell:
“He was one of the greatest guys ever. He won NCAA Championships & 11 NBA titles in 13 years. He was so smart. He was like a walking history book. He was also one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. He was like a big brother to me.” https://t.co/HmYb9LwXXq— Matt Musil (@KHOUSportsMatt) July 31, 2022
NBA analyst Greg Anthony tweeted about Russell’s groundbreaking influence on the game’s defense, particularly in the 1980s.
Mr. Russell changed the game! Basketball has always been played on both ends and he was the most dominant defender the game has ever seen! Don’t talk to me about who was better, scored more, better style, flashier or who you liked more. It’s about WINNING and He Won More! Period https://t.co/foWFEn6U0V
— Greg Anthony (@GregAnthony50) July 31, 2022
Anfernee Simons, a 23-year-old current Blazer, tweeted a brief tribute to Russell, indicating how the new generation understands what he means to the sport.
Rest In Peace Bill Russell a true pioneer of the game. Forever a legend to us all
— Anfernee Simons (@AnferneeSimons) July 31, 2022
Portland center Jusuf Nurkic, a teammate of Simons, also made a similar statement.
R.I.P legend https://t.co/x5aCpkXPtg
— Jusuf Nurkić (@bosnianbeast27) July 31, 2022
NBA Players’ Reactions: Current and Former
Michael Jordan, the chairman of the Charlotte Hornets and the league’s all-time leading scorer, wrote about how Bill Russell paved the way for players like him.
A statement from Hornets Chairman Michael Jordan on the passing of NBA legend Bill Russell. pic.twitter.com/RdYcnuCrmb
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) July 31, 2022
10 years after Russell’s retirement, Earvin Magic Johnson began his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Jordan’s statement on Russell’s influence on future generations resonated with him.
Bill Russell was my idol. I looked up to him on the court and off. His success on the court was undeniable; he was dominate and great, winning 11 NBA championships. Off the court, Bill Russell paved the way for guys like me. pic.twitter.com/ZMIrEx8Tne
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 31, 2022
The bond between Johnson and Russell was also mentioned.
I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of the greatest winner the game of basketball has ever seen, a legend, hall of famer, mentor and my friend for over 30 years, Bill Russell. pic.twitter.com/iiSkVq2kdn
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 31, 2022
Charles Barkley, a former NBA star now a Turner Sports pundit, praised Russell as a “hero” in a statement.
Charles Barkley's statement regarding the passing of Bill Russell pic.twitter.com/kVwqnBchzO
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) July 31, 2022
This past season, current Celtic Jaylen Brown led Boston to its first NBA Finals appearance in 12 years. He sent condolences and a photo to the family of his franchise’s most deserving winner. Photo depicts Russell at the Cleveland Summit in 1967, alongside Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and other black civil rights advocates in the sports world (Lew Alcindor).
pic.twitter.com/tlKQeFJP4f
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 31, 2022
Other Reactions
In the wake of Russell’s death, one of Boston’s most recognizable fans, sports media personality and founder of The Ringer Bill Simmons, appeared to be in disbelief.
Man… Bill Russell.
One of the most important athletes who ever lived. And one of the greatest. RIP.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) July 31, 2022
Jon Stewart, a well-known comedian, paid tribute to Russell in his tribute post.
Bill Russell was one of the kindest, most thoughtful people I’ve ever met. Once called out of the blue because he thought I looked sad on TV…best pep talk of my life. RIP
— Jon Stewart (@jonstewart) July 31, 2022
And former President Obama, who gave Russell the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, had this to say about Russell’s influence:
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.
