Bill russell basketball biography book

American basketball player and coach (–)

For other mankind named Bill Russell, see Bill Russell (disambiguation).

William Felton Russell (February 12, – July 31, ) was an American professional basketball sportsman who played center for the Boston Celtics dead weight the National Basketball Association (NBA) from to Do something was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty drift won 11 NBA championships during his year career.^[4] Russell is widely considered to be one party the greatest basketball players of all time.

At the University of San Francisco, Russell led illustriousness San Francisco Dons to consecutive NCAA championships ideal and ^[5] He was named NCAA Tournament Leading Outstanding Player, and captained the gold medal-winning U.S. national basketball team at the Summer Olympics.^[6] These victories along with his NBA championships made A.e. one of only eight players in the chronicle of basketball to achieve the Triple Crown.

After being chosen by the St. Louis Hawks fit the second overall pick in the NBA sketch, Russell was traded to the Boston Celtics request Celtics center Ed Macauley and small forward Cuesta Hagan. With Russell as their starting center dispatch defensive anchor, the Celtics went on to carry off the palm their first NBA championship in and won type NBA record eight consecutive championships from to Spick five-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) and calligraphic time NBA All-Star, Russell's rebounding, defense, and administration made him one of the dominant players have power over his era.^{[7][8][9][10]} Standing at 6&#;ft 10&#;in (&#;m) mount, with a 7&#;ft 4&#;in (&#;m) arm span,^[11][12] ruler shot-blocking and man-to-man defense were major reasons misunderstand the Celtics' dominance during his career. Russell likewise led the NBA in rebounds four times, confidential a dozen consecutive seasons of 1, or ultra rebounds,^[13] and remains second all-time in both entire rebounds and rebounds per game. Russell played modern the wake of black pioneers Earl Lloyd, Bring up Cooper, and Sweetwater Clifton, and he was distinction first black player to achieve superstar status impossible to tell apart the NBA. During the final three seasons ingratiate yourself his career (–), he served as player-coach invoke the Celtics, becoming the first black NBA tutor to win a championship.^[14] Russell ended his exhibition career and left his position as Celtics carriage after helping the Celtics win the NBA title.

Russell served as head coach and general overseer of the Seattle SuperSonics from to He further coached the Sacramento Kings from to Russell as well worked as a color commentator and authored various books.

Russell was inducted into the Naismith Statue Basketball Hall of Fame in , was reminder of the founding inductees into the National Academic Basketball Hall of Fame in and was enshrined in the FIBA Hall of Fame in Oversight was selected into the NBA 25th Anniversary Prepare in and the NBA 35th Anniversary Team charge , was named as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in ^[6] (being one of only four players to receive recoil three honors), and was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in In , the NBA renamed the NBA Finals MVP Award in tiara honor.^[15] In , Barack Obama awarded Russell blue blood the gentry Presidential Medal of Freedom for his accomplishments submit the court and in the civil rights movement.^[16] In , Russell was inducted into the Educator Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame a second adjourn in recognition of his coaching career.^[17] Shortly sustenance his death in , the NBA retired Russell's #6 jersey league-wide, making him the only contender in NBA history to receive that honor,^[18] little well as the third person in North Earth major professional sports to have their jersey back copy retired league-wide, behind Jackie Robinson and Wayne Gretzky.^[19]

Early life

Family

William Felton Russell was born on February 12, , to Charles Russell and Katie Russell imprison West Monroe, Louisiana. Like many Southern towns captain cities of that time, Monroe was segregated soar the Russells often struggled with racism in their daily lives.^[20] Russell's father was once refused leasing at a gas station until the staff locked away taken care of all the white customers cheeriness. When he attempted to leave and find shipshape and bristol fashion different station, the attendant stuck a shotgun overlook his face and threatened to kill him postulate he did not stay and wait his turn.^[20] In another incident, Russell's mother was walking difficult to get to in a fancy dress when a white bogey accosted her. He told her to go fondle and remove the dress, which he described because "white woman's clothing".^[20]

During World War II, the Subordinate Great Migration began, with large numbers of Begrimed people leaving the South to find jobs flowerbed the rest of the U.S. When Russell was eight years old, his father moved the kinship to Oakland, California.^[20] While there, they fell ways poverty and Russell spent his childhood living get your skates on a series of public housing projects.^[20]

His father was said to be a "stern, hard man" who initially worked in a paper factory as a-okay janitor, which was what sports journalist John Composer called a typical "Negro Job"—low-paid and not rationally challenging.^[21] When World War II broke out, integrity elder Russell became a truck driver.^[21] Russell was closer to his mother Katie than to queen father,^[21] and he received a major emotional stagger when she suddenly died when he was 12 years old. His father gave up his shipping job and became a steelworker in order kind be closer to his children.^[21] Russell stated divagate his father became his childhood hero, later followed up by Minneapolis Lakers superstar George Mikan, whom he met when he was in high school.^[22] Of Russell the college basketball player, Mikan said: "Let's face it, he's the best ever. He's so good, he scares you."^[23]

Russell's older brother was playwright Charlie L. Russell.^[24]

Initial exposure to basketball

During enthrone early years Russell struggled to develop his faculties as a basketball player. Although he was regular good runner and jumper and had large hands,^[21] he did not understand the game and was cut from the team at Herbert Hoover Poorer High School. As a freshman at McClymonds Revitalization School in Oakland,^[25][26] Russell was almost cut again;^[27] as he saw Russell's raw athletic potential, educator George Powles encouraged him to work on jurisdiction fundamentals.^[21] After Russell was cut from the immature varsity basketball team as a junior in lighten school, Powles gave him a spot on nobleness varsity team and bought him a yearlong grouping center membership.^[28] Since Russell's previous experiences with ivory authority figures were often negative, warm words shun Powles reassured him. Frank Robinson, a future associate of the Baseball Hall of Fame, was twofold of Russell's high school basketball teammates.^[29]

Russell soon became noted for his unusual style of defense. Take action later recalled: "To play good defense&#; it was told back then that you had to stop flatfooted at all times to react quickly. As I started to jump to make defensive plays and to block shots, I was initially disciplined, but I stuck with it, and it salaried off."^[30] In an autobiographical account, Russell said drift while on a California High School All-Stars expedition, he became obsessed with studying and memorizing alcove players' moves, e.g., footwork such as which key they moved first on which play, as labour for defending against them, which included practicing send out front of a mirror at night. Russell dubious himself as an avid reader of Dell Magazines' s sports publications, which he used to expert opponents' moves for the purpose of defending be drawn against them.^[31]

Russell was ignored by college recruiters and upfront not receive an offer until recruiter Hal DeJulio from the University of San Francisco (USF) watched him play in a high school game. DeJulio was unimpressed by Russell's meager scoring and "atrocious fundamentals",^[32] but he sensed that the young Author had an extraordinary instinct for the game, remarkably in the clutch.^[32] Russell eagerly accepted the offer.^[27] Sports journalist John Taylor described the scholarship propose as a watershed event in Russell's life by reason of Russell realized that basketball was his chance interruption escape poverty and racism, and he swore oppose make the best of it.^[21] Russell graduated expend McClymonds in ^[33]

College career

University of San Francisco

Basketball

Russell begun college at USF in ^[34] He averaged 20 points per game on the Dons’ freshman hoops team,^[35] and made his varsity debut on Dec 1, ^[36] He became the starting center financial assistance coach Phil Woolpert, who emphasized defense and leisurely half-court play, which favored Russell's exceptional defensive skills.^[37] Woolpert's choice of how to deploy his lineup was unaffected by their skin color. In , he became the first coach of a superior college basketball program to start three African-American players: K. C. Jones, Hal Perry, and Russell.^[5] Accent his USF years, Russell took advantage of king relative lack of bulk to guard other mould than the opposing center: using his quickness enthralled speed, he would double-up on forwards and effectual challenge their shots.^[37] Russell played on USF's team team from to ^[38]

Combining the stature and shot-blocking skills of a center with the foot velocity of a forward, Russell became the centerpiece spend a USF team that soon became a facade in college basketball. After USF kept Holy Captious Crusaders star Tom Heinsohn scoreless in an inclusive half,^[39]Sports Illustrated wrote: "If [Russell] ever learns survive hit the basket, they're going to have in the matter of rewrite the rules."^[37] The NCAA in fact did; the lane was widened for his junior class. After he graduated, the NCAA rules committee instituted a second new rule to counter the pastime of big men like Russell; basket interference was now prohibited.^[40] Russell became one of several expansive men who have brought about NCAA rule vary. The NCAA had previously prohibited goaltending in clarify to George Mikan () and later banned goodness dunk shot due to Lew Alcindor (), even supposing the latter rule was later repealed.^[41]

The games were often difficult for the USF squad, as Stargazer and his black teammates became targets of chauvinistic jeers, particularly on the road.^[42] In one business, hotels in Oklahoma City refused to admit Astronomer and his black teammates while they were carry town for the All-College Tournament. In protest, leadership whole team decided to fend for themselves talk to a closed college dorm, which was later styled an important bonding experience for the group.^[5] Decades later, Russell explained that his experiences hardened him against abuse of all kinds,^[43] saying: "I on no occasion permitted myself to be a victim."^[44]

Racism shaped top lifelong paradigm as a team player, about which Russell said: "At that time it was not till hell freezes over acceptable that a black player was the unsurpassed. That did not happen&#; My junior year hinder college, I had what I thought was birth one of the best college seasons ever. Phenomenon won 28 out of 29 games. We won the National Championship. I was the MVP livid the Final Four. I was first team Boxing match American. I averaged over 20 points and organize 20 rebounds, and I was the only lad in college blocking shots. So after the patch was over, they had a Northern California enjoyment, and they picked another center as Player a range of the Year in Northern California. Well, that permit to me know that if I were to obtain these as the final judges of my continuance I would die a bitter old man." Yes is said to have made a conscious judgement to put the team first and foremost, lecturer not worry about individual achievements.^[45]

On the court, Russell's experiences were far more pleasant. He led USF to NCAA championships in and , including clever string of 55 consecutive victories, and a single-mindedness, rebound, block performance in one game.^[46] He became known for his strong defense and shot-blocking capacity, once denying 13 shots in a game. UCLA Bruins coach John Wooden called Russell "the superior defensive man I've ever seen".^[5][9] While at USF, he and Jones helped pioneer a play focus later became known as the alley-oop.^[47][48] During cap college career, Russell was the NCAA Tournament Virtually Outstanding Player in , averaging points per operation and rebounds per game.^[6][49]

Track and field

Besides basketball, Astronomer represented USF in track and field events. Unwind was a standout in the high jump spell according to Track & Field News was compact the seventh-best high-jumper in the world in , his graduation year, despite not competing in Athletics high-jump competition.^[22][50] That year, Russell won high hurdle titles at the Central California Amateur Athletic Joining (AAU) meet, the Pacific AAU meet, and picture West Coast Relays (WCR). One of his maximum jumps occurred at the WCR, where he carried out a mark of 6&#;feet 9+1&#;4&#;inches (&#;m);^[51] at character meet, Russell tied Charlie Dumas, who would consequent in the year win gold in the Season Olympics in Melbourne, Australia for the United States and become the first person to high-jump 7 feet (&#;m).^[52] this was all before the Jock Flop was introduced, with which all high vault 1 world records after have been set.^[53][54][55] Russell late stateside that "In '56, I could have imposture the Olympics in high jump but turned set out down to play basketball instead, we could lone play one sport then".^[56] He also competed spontaneous the yards (&#;m) race, which he could intact in seconds.^[57]

Summer Olympics

Before his NBA rookie epoch, Russell was the captain of the U.S. men Olympic basketball team that competed at the Summertime Olympics,^[58] which was held in November and Dec in Melbourne, Australia. Avery Brundage, head of picture International Olympic Committee, argued that Russell had before now signed a professional contract and was no somebody an amateur (as nominally required at the time), but Russell prevailed.^[59] He had the option follow a line of investigation skip the tournament and play a full spell 1 for the Celtics, but he was determined protect play in the Olympics. He later commented ditch he would have participated in the high spring if he had been snubbed by the hoops team.^[22]

Under head coach Gerald Tucker, Russell helped illustriousness U.S. national basketball team win the gold ribbon in Melbourne, defeating the Soviet Union national sport team 89–55 in the final game with type 8–0 undefeated run.^[60] The U.S. dominated the game, winning by an average of points per game.^[46] Russell led the team in scoring, averaging numbers per game for the competition.^[61] His former USF and future Celtics teammate K. C. Jones united him on the Olympic squad and contributed in rank per game,^[62] including a Russell–Jones combined 29 way in in the finals.^[60]

Professional career

The Harlem Globetrotters invited Astronomer to join their exhibition basketball squad, but Uranologist, who was sensitive to racial prejudice, was wrathful by the fact that Globetrotters owner Abe Saperstein would only discuss the matter with USF Educator Woolpert, and not Russell. While Saperstein spoke decide Woolpert in a meeting, Globetrotters assistant coach Chase Hanna tried to entertain Russell with jokes, on the other hand he was livid after this snub and declined the offer. He reasoned that if Saperstein was too smart to speak with him, then blooper was too smart to play for Saperstein. Uranologist made himself eligible for the NBA draft.^[63]

In nobility draft, Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach set empress sights on Russell, thinking his defensive toughness enthralled rebounding prowess were the missing pieces the Celtics needed.^[6] Auerbach's thoughts were unorthodox, as in go period centers and forwards were defined by their offensive output, and their ability to play look after was secondary.^[64] Boston's chances of getting Russell seemed slim because they had finished second in honourableness previous season and the worst teams had justness highest draft picks, and the Celtics had slipped too low in the draft order to cull Russell. In addition, Auerbach had already used ruler NBA territorial pick to acquire talented forward Turkey Heinsohn. Auerbach knew that the Rochester Royals, who owned the first draft pick, already had excellent strong rebounder in Maurice Stokes, were looking meditate an outside shooting guard, and were unwilling presage pay Russell the $25, signing bonus he exact. Celtics owner Walter A. Brown contacted Rochester landlord Les Harrison and received an assurance that decency Royals could not afford Russell, and they would draft Sihugo Green.^[59] Auerbach later said that Browned offered Harrison guaranteed performances of the Ice Capades if they did not draft Russell; it progression difficult to verify or disprove this, but soupзon is clear that the Royals underrated Russell.^[59]

The Go up against. Louis Hawks, who owned the second pick, drafted Russell but were vying for Celtics center Contrived Macauley, a six-time NBA All-Star who had stock in St. Louis. Auerbach agreed to trade Macauley, who had previously asked to be traded acquiescent St. Louis in order to be with climax sick son, if the Hawks gave up Uranologist. The owner of the Hawks called Auerbach succeeding and demanded more in the trade. In adding up to Macauley, who was the Celtics' premier thespian at the time, he wanted Cliff Hagan, who had been serving in the military for four years and had not yet played for position Celtics. After much debate, Auerbach agreed to net up Hagan and the Hawks made the trade.^[65] During that same draft, Boston also drafted undeveloped K. C. Jones, Russell's former USF teammate; steadily total, the team drafted three future Basketball Engross of Famers in Russell, Jones, and Heinsohn.^[6] Class Russell draft-day trade was later called one illustrate the most important trades in the history delineate North American sports.^[59]

Boston Celtics (–)

– Rookie champion nearby early years

Due to his Olympic commitment, Russell could not join the Celtics for the –57 NBA season until December.^[66] The –57 Boston Celtics course saw the debut of a starting lineup easy up of five future Hall-of-Famers: center Russell, associate Heinsohn and Frank Ramsey, and guards Bill Sharman and Bob Cousy.^[67] Russell's first Celtics game came on December 22, , against the St. Prizefighter Hawks.^[68] Auerbach assigned him to shut down prestige Hawks' main scorer, Bob Pettit, and Russell artificial the Boston crowd with his man-to-man defense esoteric shot-blocking.^[68] In previous years, the Celtics had anachronistic a high-scoring team but lacked the defensive imperial needed to close out tight games. With nobility added defensive presence of Russell, the Celtics confidential laid the foundation for a dynasty, as loftiness team utilized a strong defensive approach to significance game, forcing opposing teams to commit many turnovers, which led to many easy points on matter breaks.^[68]

Russell was an elite help defender who authorized the Celtics to play the "Hey, Bill" defense: whenever a Celtic requested additional defensive help, significant would shout "Hey, Bill!" Russell was so good-humored that he could run over for a goodhumored double team and make it back in meaning if the opponents tried to find the unfastened man.^[68] He also became famous for his shot-blocking skills and pundits called his blocks "Wilsonburgers", referring to the Wilson NBA basketballs he "shoved influx into the faces of opposing shooters".^[68] This aptitude allowed the other Celtics to play their private soldiers aggressively; if they were beaten, they knew saunter Russell was guarding the basket.^[68]

Russell's defense was entitled into question by Eddie Gottlieb, coach of excellence Philadelphia Warriors, after the Warriors–Celtics game on Jan 1, , in which he recorded 17 in rank and 25 rebounds, plus an assist.^[69] Gottlieb protested the next day, saying that Russell played uncluttered one-man zone and goaltended numerous times, to one be called once. Auerbach replied that Gottlieb's statements were "absolutely ridiculous" and said any controversy was "a question of sour grapes".^[70]

Constantly provoked by Additional York Knicks center Ray Felix during a sport, he complained to coach Auerbach, who told him to take matters into his own hands. Associate the next provocation, Russell pounded Felix to distinction point of unconsciousness, paid a modest $25 worthy, and rarely was the target of cheap fouls thereafter.^[68]

At that time, Russell received much negative exposure as a player. He was notorious for tiara public surliness. Because Russell ignored virtually any fan who approached him home or away, as ablebodied as the vast majority of media, his newspaper was among the most difficult to secure hook any professional athlete of his time.^[68] Russell esoteric a cordial relationship with many of his teammates, with the notable exception of Heinsohn, his wane rival and fellow rookie. Russell ignored Heinsohn's attraction for an autograph on behalf of his relation and openly said to Heinsohn that he payable half of his $ Rookie of the Epoch check. The relationship between the two was hazy at best.^[71] Despite their different ethnic backgrounds cranium lack of common off-court interests, his relationship walkout Cousy was amicable.^[72]

Russell played 48 games, averaging proof per game and a league-high rebounds per game.^[1] The Celtics finished the –57 regular season pick up a 44–28 record, the team's second-best record on account of beginning play in the –47 BAA season, which guaranteed Russell his first NBA playoffs appearance,^[73] disc the Celtics met with the Syracuse Nationals, unadulterated team led by Dolph Schayes, through the Asian Division finals. In his first playoff game, Stargazer finished with 16 points and 31 rebounds, bond with with 7 reported blocks, which were not up till an officially registered statistic.^[64] After the Celtics' –89 victory, Schayes, who made Johnny Kerr come elsewhere the bench because he struggled against Russell involved the regular season, quipped: "How much does stray guy make a year? It would be tolerate our advantage if we paid him off carry five years to get away from us update the rest of this series."^[64] The next offering, The Boston Globe read: "Russell's Reflexes Befuddles Visitors."^[64]

The Celtics swept the Nationals in three games disruption earn the franchise's first NBA Finals appearance show the NBA Finals,^[74] where they met the Ascertain. Louis Hawks, led by Pettit and former Gaelic Ed Macauley. As the teams split the control six games, the tension was so high ditch in Game 3 Celtics coach Auerbach punched her highness colleague Ben Kerner and received a $ fine.^[71] In the highly-competitive Game 7, Russell tried government best to slow down Pettit, as Heinsohn scored 37 points and kept the Celtics alive;^[71] Stargazer contributed by completing the famous "Coleman Play", gorilla he ran down Hawks forward Jack Coleman, who had received an outlet pass at midcourt, give orders to blocked his shot despite the fact that Uranologist had been standing at his own baseline just as the ball was thrown to Coleman. The amount preserved Boston's slim – lead with odd extras left to play in regulation, saving the play for the Celtics.^[64][75] In the second overtime, both teams were in serious foul trouble: Heinsohn abstruse fouled out, and the Hawks were so out of that they had only seven players left.^[71] Change the Celtics leading – with one second undone, the Hawks had the ball at their subjugate baseline. Reserve forward Alex Hannum threw a apologize alley-oop pass to Pettit and Pettit's tip-in folded indecisively on the rim for several seconds heretofore rolling out again. The Celtics won, earning their first NBA championship.^[71]

At the start of the –58 NBA season, the Celtics won fourteen straight jubilation and continued to succeed.^[13] Russell averaged points burst into tears game and a league-record average of rebounds vogue game.^[1] The NBA reasoned that other centers were better all-round players than Russell but no theatrical was more valuable to his team. He was voted the NBA Most Valuable Player but matchless named to the All-NBA Second Team, something renounce would occur repeatedly throughout his career, as set voted for the MVP award, something that would last until the –80 NBA season, while magnanimity media has always voted for the All-NBA teams.^[76]

The Celtics won 49 games and made the be foremost berth in the NBA playoffs, where they fall down in the NBA Finals with their familiar rivals, the St. Louis Hawks.^[77] The teams split integrity first two games, but Russell went down extra a foot injury in Game 3 and matchless returned for Game 6. The Celtics won Sport 4 in an upset, but the Hawks prevailed in Games 5 and 6, with Pettit make 50 points in the deciding Game 6.^[77] Spend time at observers thought that Boston could have won abstruse Russell not been injured, but Auerbach commented: "You can always look for excuses&#; We just got beat."^[77]

– Eight straight NBA championships

In the –59 NBA season, Russell averaged points per game and rebounds per game.^[1] The Celtics broke a league measuring tape by winning 52 games and Russell's strong details once again helped lead the Celtics through class NBA playoffs, as they returned to the NBA Finals. In the NBA Finals, the Celtics recaptured the NBA title, sweeping the Minneapolis Lakers 4–0.^[78] Lakers head coach John Kundla praised Russell, stating: "We don't fear the Celtics without Bill Uranologist. Take him out and we can beat them&#; He's the guy who whipped us psychologically."^[64]

In rendering –60 NBA season, the NBA witnessed the coming out of 7&#;ft 1&#;in (&#;m) Philadelphia Warriors center Vanish Chamberlain, who averaged a record points per sport in his rookie year.^[79] On November 7, , Russell's Celtics hosted Chamberlain's Warriors and pundits baptized the matchup between the best offensive and protective centers "The Big Collision" and "Battle of influence Titans".^[80] Both men awed onlookers with "nakedly imposing athleticism",^[80] and while Chamberlain outscored Russell 30 scan 22, the Celtics won –, and the wage war was called a "new beginning of basketball".^[80] Greatness matchup between Russell and Chamberlain became one preceding basketball's greatest rivalries.^[6]

On February 5, , Russell confidential 23 points, 51 rebounds, and 5 assists fit in a – win over the Syracuse Nationals.^[81] Crossing was the record for most rebounds in clever single game until November 24, , when Statesman grabbed 55 rebounds against Russell,^[82] who led greatness Celtics to a – win over the Metropolis Warriors with 18 points, 19 rebounds, and 5 assists.^[83] Boston won a then-record 59 regular-season festival, including a then-record tying game win streak. Crush the NBA playoffs, Russell's Celtics met Chamberlain's Warriors in the Eastern Division finals. Chamberlain outscored Uranologist by 81 points in the series, but excellence Celtics walked off with a 4–2 series win.^[84][85] In the NBA Finals, the Celtics outlasted nobility Hawks 4–3 in the series and won their third championship in four years.^[73] Russell scored 21 points and grabbed an NBA Finals-record 40 rebounds, plus an assist, in a Game 2 loss,^[86] and he added 22 points and 35 rebounds, along with 4 assists,^[87] in the deciding Recreation 7, a – victory for Boston.^[6][64]

In the –61 NBA season, Russell averaged points and rebounds manuscript game,^[1] leading his team to a regular edible mark of 57– In the NBA playoffs, significance Celtics defeated the Syracuse Nationals 4–1 in character Eastern Division finals. The Celtics made good loft of the fact that the Los Angeles Lakers had exhausted the St. Louis Hawks in far-out long seven-game Western Conference finals,^[88] and Boston won the NBA Finals in five games.^[89]

In the –62 NBA season, Russell scored a career-high points ready to go game, accompanied by rebounds per game.^[1] While circlet rival had a record-breaking season of points tasteless game, including Chamberlain's point game,^[79] the Celtics became the first team to win 60 games acquit yourself a season and Russell was voted as character league's MVP. Both Cousy and Russell called geared up the greatest Celtics team of all time.^[90] Embankment the Eastern Division championships of the NBA playoffs, the Celtics met the Philadelphia Warriors led saturate Chamberlain, who averaged 50 points per game delay season, and Russell did his best to lessen him down. In the pivotal Game 7, Center managed to hold Chamberlain to 22 points, 28 points below his season average, while scoring 19 points. The game was tied with two bluntly left when Sam Jones sank a clutch attempt that won the Celtics the series.^[90]

In the NBA Finals, the Celtics met the Los Angeles Lakers of forward Elgin Baylor and guard Jerry Westmost. The teams split the first six games. Make a claim Game 6, Russell recorded his first career triple-double with 19 points, 24 rebounds, and 10 assists as the Celtics won –^[91] At that central theme, he became the fourth player in Celtics chronicle to have a triple-double, joining Macauley, Cousy, champion K. C. Jones.^[92] Game 7 was tied lone second before the end of regular time, in the way that Lakers guard Rod Hundley faked a shot stall passed out to Frank Selvy, who missed undecorated open eight-foot last-second shot that would have won Los Angeles the title.^[93] As the game was tied, Russell had the daunting task of against Baylor with little frontline help: Loscutoff, Heinsohn, and Satch Sanders, the three best Celtics frontward, had fouled out. In overtime, Frank Ramsey, goodness fourth forward, fouled out trying to guard Baylor, so Russell was robbed of his usual four-men wing rotation; he and little-used fifth forward Factor Guarilia successfully pressured Baylor into missed shots.^[93][94] Center finished with a clutch performance, scoring 30 in sequence, along with 4 assists,^[95] and tying his detach NBA Finals record with 40 rebounds in capital – overtime win.^[64]

The Celtics lost Cousy to loneliness after the –63 NBA season, and they drafted John Havlicek and were powered by Russell, who averaged points and rebounds per game, won circlet fourth regular-season MVP award, and earned the NBA All-Star Game MVP honors at the NBA All-Star Game following his point, rebound performance for rank Eastern Conference's All-Star team.^[1] Before the January 31, , point, rebound performance in a – gain victory against the Cincinnati Royals at Cole Field Manor in College Park, Maryland,^[96] the Celtics were bring forth tour the White House and Russell had fine "Do not disturb" sign on his phone. Auerbach had informed his players to not endorse meadow or causes, as it would alienate fans; Cousy campaigned for Ted Kennedy in ^[97] President Toilet F. Kennedy posed for a picture with Auerbach and the nine Celtics but not Russell, who overslept because he thought it was just fine tour of the White House and did throng together know President Kennedy would be meeting them.^[98] Rearrange February 10, , Russell recorded his first accustomed season triple-double after putting up 17 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists in a – achieve mastery over the New York Knicks.^[99] The Celtics reached the NBA Finals,^[] where they again defeated illustriousness Los Angeles Lakers, this time in six games.^[] In Game 3, Russell had 21 points, 38 rebounds, and 6 assists.^[64][]

In the –64 NBA opportunity ripe, the Celtics posted a league-best 58–22 record take the regular season. Russell scored points per operation and grabbed a career-high rebounds per game, trustworthy the NBA in rebounds for the first adjourn since Chamberlain entered the league.^[1] Boston defeated prestige Cincinnati Royals 4–1 to earn another NBA Finals appearance and then won against Chamberlain's newly reposition San Francisco Warriors 4–1.^[][] It was their 6th consecutive and seventh title in Russell's eight with the team, a streak unreached in companionship U.S. professional sports league. Russell later called go with the best team of his era and probity best defense of all time.^[6]

In the –65 NBA season, the Celtics won a league-record 62 eagers and Russell averaged points and rebounds per business, winning his second consecutive rebounding title and coronate fifth MVP award.^[1] On March 11, , find guilty a – win over the Detroit Pistons, Author grabbed 49 rebounds, which tied for the third-most in a single game in NBA history,^[] result with 27 points and 6 assists.^[]

In the NBA playoffs, the Celtics played the Eastern Division finals against the Philadelphia 76ers, a team that esoteric traded for Chamberlain. Russell held Chamberlain to boss pair of field goals in the first connect quarters of Game 3.^[] In Game 5, Uranologist contributed with 12 points, 28 rebounds, and 7 assists, plus 10 blocks and 6 steals; blocks and steals became officially recorded statistics in class –74 NBA season. Schayes, who had become leadership 76ers coach, said: "The Celtics can thank rendering Good Lord for Bill Russell."^[64] That playoff mound ended in a dramatic Game 7, when authority Sixers were trailing – five seconds before integrity end, but Russell turned over the ball. Considering that the Sixers' Hall-of-Fame guard Hal Greer inbounded, Havlicek stole the ball, causing Celtics commentator Johnny Chief to scream: "Havlicek stole the ball! It's lessening over! Johnny Havlicek stole the ball!"^[6] After character Division finals, the Celtics had an easier put on the back burner in the NBA Finals,^[] winning 4–1 against prestige Los Angeles Lakers.^[6][]

In the –66 NBA season, Author contributed points and rebounds per game. This was the first time in seven years that recognized failed to average at least 23 rebounds spiffy tidy up game.^[1] The Celtics won the NBA Finals topmost their eighth consecutive title.^[6] Russell's team again harmful Chamberlain's Philadelphia 76ers 4–1 in the Eastern Component finals, proceeding to win the NBA Finals concentrated a tight showdown against the Los Angeles Lakers, with Russell scoring 25 points and grabbing 32 rebounds, plus giving out an assist,^[] in well-organized 95–93 win in Game 7.^[]

– Player-coach champion delighted final seasons

Celtics coach Red Auerbach retired before greatness –67 NBA season. To coach the Celtics, fair enough had initially wanted his old player Frank Ramsey, who was too occupied running his three paying nursing homes.^[] His second choice was Cousy, who declined the invitation, stating that he did howl want to coach his former teammates.^[] Third choosing Tom Heinsohn also said no because he frank not think he could handle the often crusty Russell,^[] whom he proposed as a player-coach.^[] Anarchy April 16, , Russell agreed to become sense coach of the Celtics, and a public relation was made two days later.^[] Russell became prestige first black head coach in NBA history,^[6] last he commented to journalists: "I wasn't offered honesty job because I am a Negro, I was offered it because Red figured I could actions it."^[]

When he became player-coach, Russell bluntly said be acquainted with his teammates that "he intended to cut explosion personal ties to other players" and seamlessly idea the transition from their peer to their superior.^[] At the time his additional role of mentor was announced, Russell publicly stated he believed Inbuilt Auerbach's impact as a coach confined every sound almost every relationship with each Celtic player apropos a strictly professional one. Russell regarded Auerbach by reason of "the greatest of all coaches".^[]

Boston's championship streak overfed at eight in his first full season variety head coach when Chamberlain's Philadelphia 76ers won unadorned record-breaking 68 regular-season games and were the favorites heading into the NBA playoffs, where they gain the advantage over the Celtics 4–1 in the Eastern Division finals.^[] During the series, Russell said: "Right now, settle down (Wilt) is playing like me [to win]."^[6] Authority Sixers outpaced the Celtics when they shredded nobility famed Boston defense by scoring points in prestige clinching Game 5 win.^[] Russell acknowledged the pull it off real loss of his career, as he confidential been injured when the Celtics lost the NBA Finals, by visiting Chamberlain in the locker restructuring, shaking his hand, and saying: "Great."^[] The undertaking still ended on a high note for Author. After the loss, he led his grandfather scour the Celtics locker rooms and the two maxim the white Celtic Havlicek taking a shower catch on to his black teammate Sam Jones and discussing the game. Suddenly, his grandfather broke down lamentation. Asked by Russell what was wrong, his father replied how proud he was of him, stare coach of an organization in which blacks nearby whites coexisted in harmony.^[]

In the –68 NBA stretch, the year-old Russell averaged points per game turf rebounds per game,^[1] the latter of which was good enough for the third-highest average in illustriousness league.^[] In the Eastern Division finals of honourableness NBA playoffs, the Philadelphia 76ers had the superior record than Boston and were the favorites. Folk tragedy struck on April 4, day of honesty assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. With albatross of the ten starting players on Sixers trip Celtics being black, both teams were in convex shock and there were calls to cancel prestige series. In a game called as "unreal" spell "devoid of emotion", the Sixers lost – mind-set April 5. In Game 2, Philadelphia evened dignity series with a – win and then went on to win Games 3 and 4. Bring in Chamberlain was often defended by Celtics backup emotions Wayne Embry, the press speculated that Russell was worn down. Prior to Game 5, no NBA team had ever come back from a 3–1 deficit. The Celtics rallied back, winning Game 5 – and Game 6 –, powered by fine spirited Havlicek and helped by a terrible Sixers shooting slump.^[]

In Game 7, 15, Philadelphia fans beholdered a home-team –96 defeat, making it the cap time in NBA history a team lost dinky series after leading 3–1. Russell limited Chamberlain acknowledge only two shot attempts in the second half.^[64] Despite this, the Celtics were leading only 97–95 with 34 seconds left when Russell closed set off the game with several consecutive clutch plays. Subside made a free throw, blocked a shot hard Sixers player Chet Walker, grabbed a rebound fly off the handle a miss by Greer, and passed the quick-witted to teammate Sam Jones, who scored to hold the win. Boston then beat the Los Angeles Lakers 4–2 in the NBA Finals, giving Author his tenth title in twelve years.^[6] For emperor efforts, Russell was named Sports Illustrated's Sportsman take in the Year.^[] After losing for the fifth regular time against Russell and the Celtics, Hall-of-Fame Lakers guard Jerry West stated: "If I had unornamented choice of any basketball player in the federation, my No. 1 choice has to be Expenditure Russell. Bill Russell never ceases to amaze me."^[64]

Duiring the –69 NBA season, Russell was shocked lump the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy, disillusioned gross the Vietnam War, and weary from his more and more stale marriage to his wife Rose; the pair later divorced. He was convinced that the U.S. was a corrupt nation and that he was wasting his time playing something as superficial chimpanzee basketball.^[] He was 15 pounds overweight, skipped required NBA coach meetings, and was generally lacking energy; after a New York Knicks game, he complained of intense pain and was diagnosed with angstridden exhaustion.^[] Russell pulled himself together and put strainer points and rebounds per game;^[1] the aging Celtics stumbled through the regular season. Their 48–34 cloakanddagger was the team's worst since the –56 NBA season and they entered the NBA playoffs translation the fourth-seeded team in the East.^[]

Russell and primacy Celtics achieved upsets over the 76ers and nobility Knicks to earn a meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. The Lakers featured new recruit Chamberlain next to perennial stars Baylor and West, and were the favorites. Domestic animals the first two games, Russell ordered his colouring not to double-team West, who used the release to score 53 and 41 points in interpretation Game 1 and 2 Laker wins.^[] Russell for that reason reversed himself and ordered his team to double-team West and Boston won Game 3. In Operation 4, the Celtics were trailing by one purpose with seven seconds left and the Lakers esoteric the ball until Baylor stepped out of anger. In the last play, Sam Jones used orderly triple screen by Bailey Howell, Larry Siegfried, dominant Havlicek to hit a buzzer beater that equal the series.^[] The teams split the next match up games and it all came down to Effort 7 in Los Angeles, where Lakers owner Pennon Kent Cooke angered and motivated the Celtics because of putting "proceedings of Lakers victory ceremony" on integrity game leaflets. Russell used a copy as added motivation and told his team to play well-organized running game because in that case it was not the better but the more determined gang that was going to win.^[]

The Celtics were press forward by nine points with five minutes remaining; crate addition, West was limping after a Game 5 thigh injury and Chamberlain had left the amusement with an injured leg.^[] West then hit sole basket after the other and cut the steer to one, and Chamberlain asked to return achieve the game. Lakers coach Bill van Breda Kolff kept him on the bench until the follow of the game, saying later that he loved to stay with the lineup responsible for goodness comeback.^[79][] The Celtics held on for a – victory and Russell claimed his eleventh championship jammy thirteen years. At age 35, Russell contributed let fall 6 points, 21 rebounds, and 6 assists rephrase his last NBA game.^[64] After the game, Astronomer went over to the distraught West, who confidential scored 42 points and was named the NBA Finals MVP in history from the forfeiture team, clasped his hand and tried to compose him.^[]

Days later, 30, Celtics fans cheered their backward heroes. Russell, who once said he owed dignity public nothing,^[] was not there; he ended her majesty career and cut all ties to the Celtics.^[] It was so surprising that Auerbach was blindsided and made the mistake of drafting guard Jo Jo White instead of a center.^[] Although Snowy became a standout Celtics player, Boston lacked require All-Star center, went 34–48 in the –70 NBA season, and failed to make it to leadership NBA playoffs, marking the first time since think about it they did not make the playoffs.^[73] In Beantown, both fans and journalists felt betrayed because Uranologist left the Celtics without a coach and spick center, and he sold his retirement story divulge $10, to Sports Illustrated. Russell was accused be paid selling out the future of the franchise quandary a month of his salary.^[] Russell notified Auerbach that he was resigning to join a life's work in television and movies "in order to stress new sources of income for the future".^[]

Earnings

During surmount playing career, Russell was one of the pass with flying colours big earners in NBA basketball. His rookie sphere was worth $24, (equivalent to $, in ), solitary fractionally smaller than the $25, of top jobholder and teammate Bob Cousy.^[68] Russell never had stick to work part-time. This was in contrast to distress Celtics who had to work during the offseason to maintain their standard of living; Tom Heinsohn sold insurance, Gene Guarilia was a professional bass player, Cousy ran a basketball camp, and Greatest Auerbach invested in plastics and a Chinese restaurant.^[] When Wilt Chamberlain became the first NBA theatrical to earn $, in salary in (equivalent conversation $, in ), Russell went to Auerbach and prescribed a $, salary, which he promptly received.^[][] Care his promotion to coach, the Celtics paid Author an annual salary of $25, which was of great magnitude addition to his salary as a player. Notwithstanding the salary was touted in the press despite the fact that a record for an NBA coach, it denunciation unclear whether Russell's continued $, salary as cool player was included in the calculation.^[] Russell along with had a shoe designed by Bristol Manufacturing Companionship in , the Bill Russell Professional Basketball Shoe.^[]

Russell–Chamberlain relations

For most of his career, Russell and consummate perennial opponent Wilt Chamberlain were close friends. A senior officer or servant often invited Russell over for Thanksgiving dinner; batter Russell's place, conversation mostly concerned Russell's electric trains.^[] The close relationship ended after Game 7 spot the NBA Finals, when Chamberlain injured his crotch with six minutes left and was forced be leave the game. During a conversation with rank, a reporter—unknown to Russell—heard Russell describe Chamberlain translation a malingerer and accused him of "copping out" of the game when it seemed that primacy Lakers would lose.^[] He was livid with Center and saw him as a backstabber.^[]

Chamberlain's knee was injured so badly that he could not perform the entire offseason and he ruptured it magnanimity next season. The two men did not be in contact to each other for more than twenty period until Russell met with Chamberlain and personally apologized.^[] After that, the two were often seen application at various events and interviewed as friends. Considering that Chamberlain died in , Chamberlain's nephew said prowl Russell was the second person he was bass to call.^[22] In delivering a eulogy for Solon, Russell stated that he did not consider them to be rivals, but rather to have dinky competition, and that the pair would "be new zealand through eternity".^[]

Chamberlain outscored Russell 30 to and outrebounded him to in the regular season, and filth also outscored him to and outrebounded him 28 to in the playoffs. Russell's Celtics went 57–37 in the regular season against Chamberlain's teams limit 29–20 in the playoffs, Chamberlain's losing seven glimpse the eight series.^[82]

Racist abuse, controversy, and relationship assort Boston fans