Boston Celtics pay tribute to Bill Russell: ‘The greatest champion’

Bill Russell, one of the biggest NBA legends, died at the age of 88. After Russell’s family announced his death, a tribute from his team Boston Celtics followed soon after. The famed basketball player won 11 championships in 13 years with the Celtics.

In addition to re-sharing posts of former US President Barack Obama and NBA analyst Cedric Maxwell, Boston Celtics posted a four-part tweet recognising Russell’s contribution. It was also followed by a “through the years” photo gallery.

Also Read: NBA star Bill Russell: Legend on and off the court

Read the full post here:

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“Our thoughts are with his family as we mourn his passing and celebrate his enormous legacy in basketball, Boston, and beyond.”

Also Read: Bill Russell family: Know about his wife Jeannine and children

Russell’s popularity could be seen off the court, on the streets of Boston. In 2013, the City Hall Plaza unveiled a statue of the NBA legend. He was also added to the Hall of Fame in 1975, but did not attend the ceremony. 

In 2009, the MVP trophy of the NBA Finals was named in his honor. He presented his namesake trophy for many years, the last in 2019 to Kawhi Leonard; Russell was not there in 2020 because of the NBA bubble nor in 2021 due to COVID-19 concerns.