Russell has also won five MVP Awards throughout his career, which ties him for second with Michael Jordan all time.
“Success is a result of consistent practice of winning skills and actions,” Russell said. “There is nothing miraculous about the process. There is no luck involved.”
“I was an innovator,” Russell told The New York Times in 2011. “I started blocking shots, although I had never seen shots blocked before that.
The first time I did that in a game, my coach called timeout and said, ‘No good defensive player ever leaves his feet.'”
Russell’s Way for Many Rings
His was what allowed him to win as many rings. Russell has told Kobe Bryant in the past that he had the ability to dribble, pass and shoot at a high level.
He knew that other players were stronger than him in those areas, so he shifted his attention to the other side of the floor.
“Psychologically, you have to try to make the offensive player question what he’s doing,” Russell said. “‘Will this work? Can I make this shot?’ You have to create doubts.”
In addition to his defensive prowess, Russell was known for his ability to gobble up rebounds, as he finished with 21,620 of them, which is good for second all-time in NBA history, only behind Wilt Chamberlain.
First Player to Grab 50 Rounds
He also became the first player to ever grab 50 rebounds in a given game, but Chamberlain also later broke that record as well.
When scoring an or players went viral was glamorized more than other aspects Russell set a blueprint by the way he carried himself on the court should set a blueprint for centers who may not have the ability to become the next Michael Jordan or LeBron James; rather, they can anchor a defense and help their team win a championship by doing all of the little, non-glamorous things.
More Than Basketball
Russell also played in an era where he faced a ton of racism, but he would always handle it the right way and use his platform to enact meaningful change.
Russell’s Contributions
Because of his contributions to social justice, Russell received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2011.
Russell also became the first Black head coach in NBA history, serving as a player-coach during his last two championship runs. He also became the first African-American to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
“Bill Russell was a pioneer — as a player, as a champion, as the NBA’s first Black head coach, and as an activist,” Michael Jordan said.
“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.”
Russell’s Positive Accomplishments
For as accomplished as a player and person Russell is, and for his life to play out so publicly with all of the obstacles he’s had to face, he was never part of any scandals and only contributed to positive outcomes both in his professional life and personal life. For that, it didn’t seem like he had much to regret looking back on his life.
Russell told once he did not have many regrets due his life was perfect but he also reminded us that life comes with many obstacles and can be good or bad things it is up to you if is a bad or good thing but remember you can start over.
Rest in Peace, Bill Russell. We will always remember you not only for being a Hall-of-Fame basketball player but also as an activist who broke down barriers to create a better America for tomorrow.
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