Bill Russell

Biography

Bill Russell built his legacy on something that didn't show up in box scores: winning. Eleven championships in thirteen seasons represents a level of team success that will likely never be approached in any major sport. He defended, rebounded, and blocked shots with an understanding that sacrificing personal statistics for team victory was the ultimate measure of greatness. Russell was also a pioneer off the court, becoming the NBA's first Black head coach while still playing, and spending decades as a civil rights advocate who marched with Martin Luther King Jr. and spoke out against racism throughout his career.

Career Highlights

• 11 NBA Championships (all-time record)
• 5 NBA MVP Awards
• 12x NBA All-Star
• 4 rebounding titles
• First Black NBA head coach

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