Bill Russell Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / July 16, 2024
Bill Russell Then
Bill Russell, born on February 12, 1934, in Monroe, Louisiana, faced significant health challenges during his early childhood, battling multiple illnesses.
When Russell was 10, his father, Charlie, made the decision to move the family to Oakland, California, to escape the oppressive racial environment of the South.
Charlie found work at a shipyard, but the family’s life in California remained difficult.
In 1946, Russell’s mother, Katie, fell ill with the flu and passed away.
Her death profoundly affected Russell, who turned his grief into a commitment to his studies, driven by the memory of his mother’s encouragement to excel academically.
In Oakland, Russell began playing basketball, though his initial foray into the sport was marked by struggles.
At McClymonds High School, he was initially awkward and found it hard to secure playing time.
However, by his senior year, Russell’s skills had developed sufficiently to earn him a starting position on the team.
His breakthrough came during a summer basketball tour, where he discovered that his ability to run and jump could be used to effectively counter the flashy scorers who often dominated games.
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This realization not only transformed Russell’s approach to basketball but also had a lasting impact on the sport itself.
Despite his growing prowess on the court, Russell was lightly recruited by colleges.
It was Hal DeJulio, a former player from the University of San Francisco (USF), who recognized Russell’s potential and recommended him to his alma mater.
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At USF, Russell flourished, becoming a defensive powerhouse who led the team to consecutive National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championships in 1955 and 1956.
His athletic talents extended beyond basketball; he was also a top-level sprinter and high jumper on USF’s track-and-field team.
This versatility mirrored that of his future NBA rival, Wilt Chamberlain, who also excelled in track and field before focusing on his professional basketball career.
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Russell’s journey from a sickly child to a basketball legend is a testament to his resilience and determination.
His innovative defensive style revolutionized the game, setting new standards for future generations.
His contributions to basketball at USF laid the foundation for his storied career with the Boston Celtics, where he would go on to become one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
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Bill Russell’s Career History
Bill Russell’s entry into the NBA and subsequent career with the Boston Celtics marked a transformative period in professional basketball.
In 1956, Red Auerbach, the Celtics’ head coach and general manager, identified Russell as the key to addressing the team’s deficiencies.
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Despite never having seen Russell play, Auerbach relied on the recommendation of a trusted peer.
To secure Russell, the Celtics needed to maneuver in the draft. They traded center Ed Macauley and the rights to guard-forward Cliff Hagan to the St. Louis Hawks, who had used the second overall pick to select Russell.
Both Macauley and Hagan would later be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, underscoring how highly Auerbach valued Russell.
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Russell made an immediate impact in the NBA. In his rookie year, the Celtics won the championship, and Russell became the league’s first African American superstar.
Although he missed out on the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award to teammate Tom Heinsohn, largely due to his participation in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics where he won a gold medal, Russell’s influence on the court was undeniable.
Off the court, Russell was outspoken on racial issues and became an activist comparable to Muhammad Ali.
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His strong stance against racism and his support for the civil rights movement set him apart in a league and city with a history of racial tension.
Throughout his career, Russell not only led the Celtics to numerous victories but also took bold stands on important social issues.
He spoke out against the Vietnam War and supported civil rights, using his platform as a superstar athlete to bring attention to these causes.
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The Celtics’ consistent winning under Russell’s leadership provided a form of immunity from backlash, though it often overshadowed the importance of his activism.
In 1964, the Celtics became the first NBA team to start an all-Black lineup, a milestone made possible by Russell’s performance and significance.
When Auerbach retired in 1966, Russell became the first African American head coach in NBA history and led the team to championships in 1968 and 1969.
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Despite his success, Russell viewed the social upheavals of the 1960s as more important than basketball.
After retiring as a player, he continued to coach, served as a commentator, and remained active in social causes.
His autobiography, “Second Wind: The Memoirs of an Opinionated Man,” was published in 1979.
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He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1975 and awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.
Over his 13-season career, Russell won 11 NBA championships, a record unmatched in the league.
His success was built on defense, rebounding, and shot-blocking, rather than scoring, which redefined what it meant to be a dominant player.
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Russell’s ability to create turnovers and patrol the paint transformed the Celtics’ strategy and led to their sustained success.
His approach to the game, emphasizing defense and teamwork, became the foundation of the Celtics dynasty.
Russell’s legacy is not just that of a great player but as basketball’s ultimate winner and a trailblazer for civil rights and social justice.
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Bill Russell Height
Standing at 2.08 meters, Bill Russell’s towering height contributed significantly to his dominance as a defensive center in the NBA, allowing him to excel in rebounding and shot-blocking throughout his illustrious career.
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Bill Russell Retirement
Bill Russell retired at the end of the 1968-69 season, capping off a legendary 13-season career, all with the Boston Celtics.
His retirement marked the end of an era dominated by his extraordinary contributions on the court.
Remarkably, 84.6% of Russell’s seasons ended in championships, as he led the Celtics to 11 NBA titles in 13 seasons.
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This unparalleled success underscored his role as the cornerstone of the Celtics’ dynasty and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Russell’s departure from the game was not just the end of a remarkable athletic career but also the conclusion of a period in which he redefined the sport with his defensive prowess, rebounding, and leadership, leaving an indelible mark on the NBA.
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Bill Russell Wife
Bill Russell’s personal life saw several significant relationships over the years.
He married his college sweetheart, Rose Swisher, in 1956. The couple had three children together: Karen, William Jr., and Jacob. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1973.
Four years later, in 1977, Russell married Dorothy Anstett, a former Miss USA. This marriage lasted until 1980 when they divorced.
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In 1996, Russell found love again with Marilyn Nault, and they remained together until her passing in 2009.
These relationships and his role as a father to his three children were important aspects of Russell’s life off the basketball court, reflecting the personal challenges and changes he experienced alongside his professional achievements.
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Bill Russell Now
Bill Russell, an American basketball legend, passed away on July 31, 2022, at the age of 88.
Known as the first outstanding defensive center in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA), Russell was a towering figure in the sport, both literally and figuratively.
Over his 13-season career with the Boston Celtics, he secured an unprecedented 11 NBA titles, a record that remains unmatched.
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His dominance on the court was defined not by scoring, but by his exceptional defense, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities, which revolutionized the game and set a new standard for future generations.
In addition to his extraordinary playing career, Russell broke significant racial barriers in professional sports.
In 1966, he became the first African American coach of a modern major professional sports team in the United States when he was named the player-coach of the Celtics.
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This role not only highlighted his deep understanding of the game but also his leadership qualities and resilience in the face of the racial prejudices of the time.
Russell’s influence extended beyond basketball as he became an active advocate for civil rights and social justice, using his platform to champion equality and challenge systemic racism.
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Russell’s passing marked the end of a remarkable life and career that left an indelible impact on basketball and American society.
His legacy is celebrated not only for his incredible achievements on the court but also for his pioneering contributions to civil rights and his role in shaping the cultural and social landscape of sports.
Bill Russell remains a revered icon, whose life and work continue to inspire athletes and activists alike.
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Bill Russell’s Net Worth
Bill Russell, a legendary American basketball player, had a net worth of $10 million at the time of his death, reflecting both his immense contributions to the sport and his enduring legacy off the court.
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FAQs
Bill Russell won 11 NBA championships as a player with the Boston Celtics.
Bill Russell is revered for revolutionizing defensive play in basketball, his leadership as a player-coach, and his outspoken advocacy for civil rights.
Bill Russell was known more for his agility and quick reflexes on the basketball court rather than pure speed in terms of running pace.
Comparing Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain is subjective based on playing style preferences, but Russell’s team success and defensive prowess often make him a preferred choice among historians and analysts.
As of now, Bill Russell is no longer alive, having passed away on July 31, 2022.
Yes, Bill Russell was exceptionally successful, winning 11 NBA championships, becoming a player-coach, and leaving a lasting impact on the sport and society.
Bill Russell’s final resting place is in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.