Tragic NBA news today with the announcement of the death of NBA legend Bill Russell at the age of 88 years old. The Bostons Celtics legend was amongst the first generation of NBA superstars and also fought for Civil Rights throughout his life as a player and beyond. In many ways, he defined what it meant to be an NBA Superstar with a platform and will be sorely missed. According to his family, he passed away peacefully with his wife Jeannine by his side on Sunday. A legend both on and off the basketball court.
An announcement… pic.twitter.com/KMJ7pG4R5Z
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) July 31, 2022
In his 13-year career with the Boston Celtics, Bill Russell averaged 15.1 points, 22.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. He paired those numbers with a field goal percentage of 44 percent and a free throw percentage of 56.1 percent. The NBA Hall of Fame member was also a 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA selection, five-time MVP, four-time rebounding champion, and finally an NBA record 11-time NBA Champion. The NBA Finals MVP Award is named after the NBA legend for his dominance in the late 1950s through the 1960s. His impact both on and off the court for basketball is perhaps unmatched, especially in the earlier days of the NBA.
Bill Russell, the cornerstone of the Boston Celtics dynasty that won eight straight titles and 11 overall during his career, died Sunday.
He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Russell was 88.
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— ESPN (@espn) July 31, 2022
Bill Russell will best be remembered for his days of dominance on the court with the Boston Celtics, his actions participating in fighting for Civil Rights, and his participation in furthering the brand of basketball after he retired as well. We here at Def Pen Sports have the family, friends, and fans of Russell in our thoughts at this time. There are no details as of right now about any memorial services for the NBA legend. Those details will likely be provided in the next few days.
