Boston Celtics great Bill Russell took his last breath on Sunday, he was 88-years-old. Russell had won eight NBA championship on the bounce with the Celtics and was a 11-time NBA champion.
The cause of death was not revealed by the social media post, which confirmed Russell’s death. However, the post confirmed that Russell died peacefully with his wife Jeannine along his side. Arrangement for his memorial service will be announced soon.
As Russell was suffering a long illness, he could not present the Finals MVP trophy to Steph Curry.
“But for all the winning, Bill’s understanding of the struggle is what illuminated his life,” the statement said. “From boycotting a 1961 exhibition game to unmask too-long-tolerated discrimination, to leading Mississippi’s first integrated basketball camp in the combustible wake of Medgar [Evers’] assassination, to decades of activism ultimately recognized by his receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom … Bill called out injustice with an unforgiving candor that he intended would disrupt the status quo, and with a powerful example that, though never his humble intention, will forever inspire teamwork, selflessness and thoughtful change.
“Bill’s wife, Jeannine, and his many friends and family thank you for keeping Bill in your prayers. Perhaps you’ll relive one or two of the golden moments he gave us, or recall his trademark laugh as he delighted in explaining the real story behind how those moments unfolded. And we hope each of us can find a new way to act or speak up with Bill’s uncompromising, dignified and always constructive commitment to principle. That would be one last, and lasting, win for our beloved #6.”
Russell had a glorious career as he ticked all the right boxes. He was also a Gold medallist at the 1956 Olympics, which were hosted by Melbourne.
He played for Boston Celtics for 13 seasons, out of which he carried the team to 12 finals, winning 11 of them.
“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,” the Celtics said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with his family as we mourn his passing and celebrate his enormous legacy in basketball, Boston, and beyond.”
Russell scored 14522 points in his illustrious career. Michael Jordan also gave his condolences to Russell’s family.
”Bill Russell was a pioneer — as a player, as a champion, as the NBA’s first Black head coach and as an activist,” Jordan, now the chairman of the Charlotte Hornets, said in a statement. “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.”
