Bill Russell has sadly passed away at the age of 88.
The Boston Celtics legend will go down in history as one of the greatest and most decorated NBA players of all-time.
Russell won two high school state championships, two NCAA titles, a gold medal at the Olympics and a whopping 11 NBA championship titles.
Since his death was confirmed in a social media post by his family, tributes have come flooding in for the basketball icon.
Fans, coaches, analysts and ex-players alike have all sent their condolences to the family with some even sharing some old stories of Bill throughout the years.
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Some fans have re-shared a rather hilarious video from a few years back involving Russell and a bunch of other NBA legends – and it makes for pretty hilarious and wholesome viewing.
Back in 2017, Russell was honoured with the NBA’s lifetime achievement award.
At the ceremony, some of the NBA's other greatest big men were present on stage including the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neill, David Robinson, Dikembe Mutombo and Alonzo Mourning.
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As Russell got the microphone at the podium after accepting his award, each person came up and shook his hand to congratulate him.
"Where did they find all these tall people?" he joked.
He then glanced over at the men standing next to him and sized them up one-by-one.
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Pointing in their direction, he then said: “I would kick your ass.”
The entire building, including all five NBA legends in question, then erupted into laughter.
Russell could also be heard chuckling to himself through the microphone.
The golden exchange will go down as one of the most iconic awards ceremony moments in history.
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The NBA community is still mourning the loss of Russell with the legendary Michael Jordan leading the chorus of people paying tribute.
“Bill Russell was a pioneer—as a player, as a champion, as the NBA’s first Black head coach and as an activist,” Jordan wrote.
“He paved the way and set an example for every Black player who came into the league after him, including me. The world has lost a legend. My condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.”
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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also said his part.
“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,” Silver added.
“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.”
Topics: Australia, NBA, Basketball,
Max Sherry