Basketball

Bill Russell always needed to be two or three chess moves ahead – Bill Simmons

 

NBA analyst Bill Simmons reckons Bill Russell always needed to be two or three chess moves ahead of the opposition. Russell took his last breath on Sunday at the age of 88 years and since then condolences and praise have poured in for him.

Russell had a strong Basketball IQ and he was regarded as one of the smartest players in the game during his heydays. The legendary player led Boston Celtics to 11 NBA titles during his 13 year stint with the team as he ticked all the right boxes. Eight of his 11 NBA rings came on the bounce.

Furthermore, Russell had the knack of leading from the front and many thought he was a player ahead of his time. The talisman was mentally tough and he was always able to get the best out of his players.

Bill Simmons said on his podcast, “Before every game, he worked himself into what he described a “rage.” He spent the day visualizing that night’s game, thinking about his opponent, playing out sequences in his head, revving himself up. And if you think of basketball like chess, it makes more sense. Russell always needed to be two or three chess moves ahead of everyone else.”

Simmons believes Russell mentally played every game situation in his head before he stepped on the court.

“By the time he had slipped on his Celtics uniform, Russell had already played out every game possibility on his head. Carrying that knowledge into the game and then executing it required an unfathomable amount of mental energy…If you think of Russell as a genius, which he was, then it makes more sense.”

Simmons revealed that Russell could dissect an entire NBA game even if it took place 50 years ago.

Sharing an anecdote on the same, Simmons said, “One time, Russell’s third wife found one of his college games on eBay. She bought the DVD and surprised him with it. They watched it that night. Russell’s San Francisco team playing Oregon State. And guess what?”

“Bill Russell could rattle off every play before it happened, not a few of the plays, not half the plays, every play! For a random college game that happened in 1955, at least four decades before he watched the game again.”

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Champions League, World Cup and many more.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Fernandes’ hattrick sends United to UEL next round

Manchester United secured a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad at Old Trafford, advancing to the… Read More

March 14, 2025

Australian Grand Prix preview

The Formula 1 season is set to kick off this weekend with the Australian Grand… Read More

March 14, 2025

Thomas Tuchel’s first national team selection eagerly anticipated

England's new head coach, Thomas Tuchel, is set to announce his first squad on Friday… Read More

March 14, 2025

Europa: Bilbao send 10-man Roma out of tournament

Atletico Bilbao progressed to the quarterfinals of the Europa League at the expense of AS… Read More

March 14, 2025

Conference League: Dewsbury-Hall’s lone strike enough to seal Chelsea’s progression

Chelsea sailed through to the quarterfinals of the Europa Conference League after beating FC Copenhagen… Read More

March 14, 2025

Fernandes’ Hat-Trick Sends Manchester United Into Europa League Quarterfinals; Tottenham Also Advance

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur both secured their spots in the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals… Read More

March 14, 2025