There's a lot of "fans" that are saying that he's overrated and his championships mean nothing since he won all 11 titles when there were only 8 teams, players were majority white, and the league lacked any competition.
SirBokChoySr Russell is top 10 all time but a lot of those arguments are partially true. If they weren't, Jordan would have zero claim to the goat title.
With his activism, championships and the man that he was. This is how I am going to choose to remember Bill Russell, letting everyone know he would mop them on the court. RIP and thank you for all you have done Mr. Russell.
I hate when people disrespect him by saying he only played in a league with 8 teams. People forget that he's one of the pioneers of the game. He's not like LeBron and Kobe that had MJ to look up to. He's not MJ that had Julius Erving to look up to. He had to build his Own game. And Dominated the league. Not the GOAT tho. But still a LEGEND.
Yes. He, Wilt, Baylor, Oscar, Cousy, Jerry West...These guys basically turned the NBA into what it is today. For a Center, Russell established what was defense, reinvented the whole concept. Same way for Wilt and offense. And we all rave about guys like Draymond Green, who can do it all on defense: perimeter, rebounding, protecting the rim; Russell did all of those things too, in the 60's, when nobody could ever dream of such thing, and he was absolutely the best at protecting the rim. Too bad they didn't track blocks, it would just add to his legend see stats like 6 or 7 blocks per game for a whole season, and a bunch of quadruple-doubles.
Ye but the stats in the 60s were very inflated because there were much more possessions. So those stats were highly overrated but his wasn't know for his scoring his was know for his incredible defence.
Growing up in the sixties and first learning the game, it didn’t take long to figure out I wanted to be like Bill Russell. I never achieved that but he was my idol. Defense was my strong suit because of that.
I was lucky enough to grow up in SF and see all of Bill's home games at USF. Best player I've ever seen. He was by far the best defensive player and intimidated opponents. People forget how great an athlete he was. He ran the 440 in 49, was among the top 3 rated high jumpers in the world, and won 2 state championships in high school, 2 NCAA titles at USF, and 11 in the NBA in 13 seasons including 8 in a row. He was the ultimate team player and a superior human being, a leader in the true sense of the word.
3:58 Note that Sam Jones is the ONLY OTHER NBA player with double-digit rings - at 10 - ALL earned as a Russell teammate. When Sam says the reason the Celtics won those 11 was Bill, people really should listen to the man - HE WAS THERE.
Yup. Bill filled in the gaps for the Celtics. He studied what are the weaknesses of his own team and tried to cover up for it. The dude retired because his tactics is not that efficient anymore
@@ciaojay7025 He was also getting worn out - physically (look at where he ranks on minutes played, NOT just the years) and mentally (constant racial harrassment BS out of the Boston fans and locals, though the TEAM never gave him any hassle).
Kareem Abdul Jabbar is the greatest player to ever touch a basketball, Wilt Chamberlain is the greatest athlete in the history of the world, Bill Russell is the greatest champion in the history of team sports, and Michael Jordan is the most electrifying athlete in sports history.
The player everybody wants to play with and the man everyone wants in their corner. Bill will never be forgotten and I believe one day his entire impact will be seen. They say he played in a weak era but he played against 50 Hall Of Famers divided over 13 years and 8-12 teams, so essentially every team he played, had one at least. Not only was he the greatest champion in basketball history , he’s the greatest activist and leader in basketball history. You simply can’t measure a guy like him statistically, not that you can for anybody but even more so in Bills case. Just listen to any teammates, people he knew or people who know about him. Speak about him and it’s pretty obvious every person that truly knows about Bill Russell and some of his story, respects him tremendously. Rest In Peace Mr. Russell, I hope you, Red, Sam, Hondo, Wilt, Kobe, Pistol Pete, Willis and every other NBA legend are up there hooping until sun down every day.
Greatest winner ever. If anyone can be compared to Mike it's Bill Russell. Fought for African American like Ali did, fought for the players against tyrannic owners in the NBA, fought on the court against the greatest big men Thurmond Chamberlain and co. What a true example of greatness and force. Also thank you Mr. Red Auerbach for allowing an African American player to coach and to dominate.
Bill Russell's impact transcends basketball. Here's a guy, an NBA Champion, playing for the best basketball team at that time--and RESTAURANTS WONT SERVE HIM FOOD BECAUSE HE WAS BLACK. Here's a man who was smart, intelligent and unafraid to speak his mind concerning sensitive societal issues that affect African-Americans and other minorities in America. That made a lot of people uncomfortable. Bill Russell even went as far as being adamant in NOT SIGNING FOR AUTOGRAPHS during his playing days because he believed athletes should not be subject to the whims of other people just to maintain popularity. He didnt sign. Not even teammate Satch Sanders could get him to do it. Bill Russell. The 🐐.
K10N . Most people don’t give him his due credit because when he played there were only 8 teams in the league and the rules were a lot different. Plus there weren’t really any superstars before Bill so he didn’t really have that much competition, but with out him we wouldn’t have MJ, Magic, Kareem and so on. I’m sure if you ask any of the great players they’ll all say Bill was the greatest.
Rip bill Russell one of the best nba players of all time. It’s just crazy to look back at this video, and just remember that he’s not here anymore. RIP legend🕊
Let's see...won back to back NCAA titles...won a Olympic Gold Medal in basketball as captain....won the NBA title in 1957...1959...1960...1961...1962...1963...1964...1965...1966...(became the player/coach of the Celtics)...and won again in 1968 & 1969. Played from 1956-1969...11 titles in 13 years...5 x MVP...12 time all star...12 consecutive years of 1,000 + rebounds...the greatest defensive player who ever lived. MAYBE the most intelligent player ever. He studied his opponents and could anticipate their every move on the court.
Bill Russell and kc Jones won 60 consecutive games and two consecutive ncaa championships before becoming teammates on the Celtics...The Absolute GOAT ❤❤❤
Bill Russell is 1 true legend, only player to have 11 rings and stayed with that 1 team until the end of his career 🥳🥳🔥🔥. Sad to see him gone R.I.P Bill 😭😭😭
To have all those guys welcoming me to the stage, then realizing that I influenced and inspired all of them...Man, Bill Russell is truly one of the greatest of all time, not to mention the greatest defensive player of all time, and I'm sure he felt that way then.
As impressive as the the battles in the 90's and 80's were and as great as some of the players were, I don't think the greatest rivalries since can measure up to Russel vs Chamberlain. Magic and Bird come close, but to me, it's like comparing a fight today to a prehistoric fight. We might see two bulls or sharks go at it today, but we will never again see two T-Rexes tangle like Russel and Chamberlain did.
"I would kick your ass"
-Legendary Bill Russell
Gab Ros Favorite part of the video 😂😂
GOAT energy 🐐
Problem was, outside of Wilt - they were all like - "And Thank God we were born 10+ years later."
Classic
Probably could 😊
Most underappreciated legend of all time. Congrats Bill.
wym underappreciated he's literally getting an award in 2017 everyone knows he's a GOAT
There's a lot of "fans" that are saying that he's overrated and his championships mean nothing since he won all 11 titles when there were only 8 teams, players were majority white, and the league lacked any competition.
SirBokChoySr
Russell is top 10 all time but a lot of those arguments are partially true. If they weren't, Jordan would have zero claim to the goat title.
SirBokChoySr
NAME ONE
crhouse1 look up Bill Russell is overrated
I wish Wilt was there..........
:c
RIP
:(((
For me the best ever ! RIP Wilton Norman Chamberlain
He's up in heaven clappin cheeks bud.
The man had more rings than fingers so he was allowed to talk that talk…RIP to the man that would do what ever it took to win. So inspirational.
Rip bill… you were a legend and will never be forgotten ❤️
RIP😭😭
RIP
There needs to be a statue put around some arena(Boston,USF.etc. commemorating his life)
Never will forget him
❤️ oldies boston celtic basketball teams of the 1950s/ 1960s::
Bill is getting old, its gonna be a sad sad day when he leaves one day for the NBA. Only respect for this man
Yu tiong Khor thought he was dead
maybe you were thinking of Wilt. No worries, Wilt and Bill defined the 60s
Yu tiong Khor I think im gonna cry like a baby for.three days.
he looks alot healthier now so hopefully he has a good ten years left in him if not more
@@MajorSrb95 no you won't
Bill Russell's like yoda
Make shots, I will.
Indeed
a very tall black yoda
Futuristictpa Yt 700 like 🥳
Christopher Holland make shots you will not
They might as well call bill “lord of the rings”
Dynasty.
😂
This needs more likes😂😂
Ooo i like that
dude i actually love that lol
How does Bill Russell still have the most hair out of all those guys on stage 😂😂😂😂😂😂
The man was blessed.
There was no PED in his era
With his activism, championships and the man that he was. This is how I am going to choose to remember Bill Russell, letting everyone know he would mop them on the court. RIP and thank you for all you have done Mr. Russell.
Todays NBA be like: The NBA fined Bill Russell $1,000,000 for trashtalking
This is one of the best comments I've seen.
Nah bill will fine the nba for sending him a fine
😂
Nah.. cuz Mr Russell IS the NBA
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂
Man, hopefully I can have a great sense of humor like Bill Russell when I turn 83.
hopefully you can turn 83
if you dont stop eating mcdonalds and watching youtube you lucky to be even reach 40 LOL
Flynn Joy are you staking me im eating mcdonalds watching RUclips right now
@@MangCnasal Not funny didn't laugh😐
Bill Is Still the Goat 🐐
nah jordan is
Black Crown lebron is
bill=11rings
did he win 2 as a coach?
Yes, as a player-coach.
"Where'd they find all these tall people" honestly killed me 😂
Right, Don Rickles over here!!
Alonzo was short compare to others
@@wowok8375 Well during prime Russell was only 6'10 so let say he's short alongside Mourning
R.I.P to one of the greatest athletes of all time. He was a legend + activist who changed sports in so many ways!
Class personified, didn't talk about himself, instead praised all the other centers on the stage.
I hate when people disrespect him by saying he only played in a league with 8 teams. People forget that he's one of the pioneers of the game. He's not like LeBron and Kobe that had MJ to look up to. He's not MJ that had Julius Erving to look up to. He had to build his Own game. And Dominated the league. Not the GOAT tho. But still a LEGEND.
TheBruhiologist EXACTLY
TheBruhiologist and not only that he did things that I respect alot off the court as well legends live forever
Yes. He, Wilt, Baylor, Oscar, Cousy, Jerry West...These guys basically turned the NBA into what it is today. For a Center, Russell established what was defense, reinvented the whole concept. Same way for Wilt and offense. And we all rave about guys like Draymond Green, who can do it all on defense: perimeter, rebounding, protecting the rim; Russell did all of those things too, in the 60's, when nobody could ever dream of such thing, and he was absolutely the best at protecting the rim. Too bad they didn't track blocks, it would just add to his legend see stats like 6 or 7 blocks per game for a whole season, and a bunch of quadruple-doubles.
Thanks to him grew tue NBA
The
*What a GREAT MAN and Beautiful spirit*
One of the greatest moments in the history of the NBA Rest In Eternal Peace Mr Bill Russell
Coming to stage… not for long speech… but only for apreciated 5 guys standing beside him…. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Then he dies 🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️
I hope Bill Russel never dies
MOBA Gamer 0ne of the greatest bball leaders to ever play the game
Legends never die
He’s immortal soo
@@mohamedtouray3881 He is the greatest basketball player ever, something people don't understand.
@@mohamedtouray3881 Really though, I think he was the ultimate leader. Larry Bird is right up there as well. Couple of Celtic legends.
Bill Russell 1962 NBA Finals:
22.9 PPG / 5.7 APG / 27.0 RBP / .543 FG% / .754 FT% / 48.3 MPG
Most impressive is the 48 minutes a game.
Don't forget he had hella blocks but they didn't record them back then
27 RB That's incredible!
Prolly like 5bpg
Kareem Abdul Jabbar said that he's the GOAT!
Ye but the stats in the 60s were very inflated because there were much more possessions. So those stats were highly overrated but his wasn't know for his scoring his was know for his incredible defence.
kareem walks in like he knows he's the baddest dude out there
Well he is. Most MVPs , most points, 5 titles. Dude is one of the Goat
@@siam9914 6 titles
Dudes just lucky Scale was visiting Mars that night, otherwise he'd be front and center.
Until bill showed up😂😂
Siam 6
RIP to the legend!!!!!! There would never be another Bill Russell
Rest in Piece to the Greatest Celtic of All Time
When Bill said he respected the other guys on the stage it sounded true.
Except not Mutombo he got no rings
@@Steve_305 Nah ,he's one of the greatest defensive players as Bill himself. And also a great humanitarian.
He surely respect him
@@Steve_305 respect is beyond rings. Grow up
6:26 proves that he is the G.O.A.T
Bill Russell is one of the best humans ever. It'll be a sad day on this earth when he eventually passes
Gabe Hinrichs he did in 2009
Wrong Bill Russell
The ReekyMeerkat828 that was his wife
Kareem has got more humble as he grew old.... Gotta love this man
Good observation. Shaq has changed quite a bit the last few years a well. He is realizing what's more important and opening up more in public.
“THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IS RESPECT...PERIOD.” - Bill Russell 💪🏾✊🏾👑
What a profound few words: "You did it in your own time and in your own way, and I appreciate that. It made me proud to have played the same game."
Truly poetic. I love how much admiration he had for the younger generations
His laugh is beautiful
Absolutely love this! I glad Bill Russell is still around and I just wish Wilt Chamberlain was too
@Emir Vreto Their rivalry is legend-wait for it-dary
@@laxusdreyar7838 nice
@@laxusdreyar7838 Russell and Chamberlain are the guys who put the nba on the map
no longer sadly
😔
Growing up in the sixties and first learning the game, it didn’t take long to figure out I wanted to be like Bill Russell. I never achieved that but he was my idol. Defense was my strong suit because of that.
Rest In Paradise, Bill Russell 🙏☘️
He is somewhat underrated because of how long ago he played.
out here at age 83, still full of energy!! what a legend. a winner in life that's what matters he's Mohammed Ali of basketball
Much deserved
R.I.P. 11x champ. All NBA fans (not only Celtics fans) will missed you. 😢
One of the greatest to ever play the game of basketball. RIP 🏀 🕊
I was lucky enough to grow up in SF and see all of Bill's home games at USF. Best player I've ever seen. He was by far the best defensive player and intimidated opponents. People forget how great an athlete he was. He ran the 440 in 49, was among the top 3 rated high jumpers in the world, and won 2 state championships in high school, 2 NCAA titles at USF, and 11 in the NBA in 13 seasons including 8 in a row. He was the ultimate team player and a superior human being, a leader in the true sense of the word.
W.I. Zolman how old are you geez?
I wouldn't say superior human being but yeah you right.
W.I. Zolman Wish I was around to see him in his prime, lucky
Addison Hinson you really commented out of all these comments to disagree with someone’s opinion? how sad is your life 😂😂
BILL RUSSELL A SAVAGE
Bill Russell is a national treasure.
R.I.P Bill Russell. Greatest winner of all-time
Ali of basketball
Glad to see he got moments like this before he left us
Old man made use of his time to talk in thanking those that went after him. Legend.
3:58
Note that Sam Jones is the ONLY OTHER NBA player with double-digit rings - at 10 - ALL earned as a Russell teammate.
When Sam says the reason the Celtics won those 11 was Bill, people really should listen to the man - HE WAS THERE.
Yup. Bill filled in the gaps for the Celtics. He studied what are the weaknesses of his own team and tried to cover up for it. The dude retired because his tactics is not that efficient anymore
@@ciaojay7025 He was also getting worn out - physically (look at where he ranks on minutes played, NOT just the years) and mentally (constant racial harrassment BS out of the Boston fans and locals, though the TEAM never gave him any hassle).
I am a Boston Celtic fan so thank you Bill Russell for those 11 championships
Man it’s crazy how this man is gone, he was such a good person, funny, nice, and of course, an NBA Legend, R.I.P Bill russel.
There are 5 NBA legends in front of Bill Russell a man that's more than a hall of famer legend how dope is that
well that went from 0-100 real quick
Edward B
You have got to be white.
Foudii for sure he white
Everybody saying it's going to be sad when he dies but you have forgot ...
Legends don't die
this was hilarious 😂 brought tears to my eyes 😂 what a legend, respect.
He created period. He deserves everything
Even at this Lifetime Achievement Russell turns it to the persons with him on the stage.
He is so humble it just makes you go silent.
Rest in Peace to this legend.
A legend has died today, but all of us will remember his legacy that he left on the game. May we 🙏 for his family today.
This is clear evidence that Bill Russell is the GOAT 🐐 of basketball. Idc what other people say.
nah jordan is
GOAT in the Big Man area.
Skantei
No the GOAT period.
Wilt is better in my opinion
Kareem Abdul Jabbar is the greatest player to ever touch a basketball, Wilt Chamberlain is the greatest athlete in the history of the world, Bill Russell is the greatest champion in the history of team sports, and Michael Jordan is the most electrifying athlete in sports history.
That laugh, that joy and that heart. True greatness.
The player everybody wants to play with and the man everyone wants in their corner. Bill will never be forgotten and I believe one day his entire impact will be seen. They say he played in a weak era but he played against 50 Hall Of Famers divided over 13 years and 8-12 teams, so essentially every team he played, had one at least. Not only was he the greatest champion in basketball history , he’s the greatest activist and leader in basketball history. You simply can’t measure a guy like him statistically, not that you can for anybody but even more so in Bills case. Just listen to any teammates, people he knew or people who know about him. Speak about him and it’s pretty obvious every person that truly knows about Bill Russell and some of his story, respects him tremendously. Rest In Peace Mr. Russell, I hope you, Red, Sam, Hondo, Wilt, Kobe, Pistol Pete, Willis and every other NBA legend are up there hooping until sun down every day.
Greatest winner ever. If anyone can be compared to Mike it's Bill Russell. Fought for African American like Ali did, fought for the players against tyrannic owners in the NBA, fought on the court against the greatest big men Thurmond Chamberlain and co. What a true example of greatness and force. Also thank you Mr. Red Auerbach for allowing an African American player to coach and to dominate.
It was his time, his awards. Stage meant for him yet.. his speech he thanks the players who shared the same passion with him. Remarkable. Legend
Bill Russell's impact transcends basketball. Here's a guy, an NBA Champion, playing for the best basketball team at that time--and RESTAURANTS WONT SERVE HIM FOOD BECAUSE HE WAS BLACK.
Here's a man who was smart, intelligent and unafraid to speak his mind concerning sensitive societal issues that affect African-Americans and other minorities in America. That made a lot of people uncomfortable. Bill Russell even went as far as being adamant in NOT SIGNING FOR AUTOGRAPHS during his playing days because he believed athletes should not be subject to the whims of other people just to maintain popularity. He didnt sign. Not even teammate Satch Sanders could get him to do it.
Bill Russell. The 🐐.
REST IN PEACE LEGEND, THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING, WE LOVE YOU
Rest in paradise to the greatest winner in sports history. Global icon.🙏🏽💔🕊
11 RINGS!!!! So why do they say that Jordan was the greatest? Bill is the best in my book.
K10N . Most people don’t give him his due credit because when he played there were only 8 teams in the league and the rules were a lot different. Plus there weren’t really any superstars before Bill so he didn’t really have that much competition, but with out him we wouldn’t have MJ, Magic, Kareem and so on. I’m sure if you ask any of the great players they’ll all say Bill was the greatest.
Someone did this vote with 20 players it was something like 10 for mj 4 for kareem 3 for lebron 1 for bill and wilt
@@DanYeLL2003 I guess wilt Chamberlain doesnt exist, or Elgin Baylor, or Jerry West
Stop your bandwagonery
In my opinion Jordan is still the greatest. Bill Russell only played when nba was developing and Boston was the only good team in that time
This just in: Bill Russell fined 8,000,000$ for his actions at the award ceremony!
Jordan Wolfson 😅😂😂 u lyin
This just in: Bill Russell fines NBA for trying to fine him for 8Million
Silver says, I can do better than that... I'll challenge him to a one-on-one match and kick his donkey.
@@broadstreet21 David stern says ill hit em with the no heart ban because he wore baggy shorts'
I love Bill Russell's laughter
What a legend,RIP champ
Rip Mutombo and Bill Russell
Crazy how this amazing man is still alive and we unfortunately lost a legend way to soon
Not anymore
@@CCQ75 ok edge lord
I just came to this after learning about his passing. One of my favorite moments.Will miss the man.
Why isn't Javale McGee up there?
Laker J he is running back to the bench
And zaza who injured kawhi leaonard
Are you kidding me
Laker J He isn't in the HoF yet, but he will the day he retires
Laker J Javale McGee is not a Hall of Famer okay
LL The King Of Rings 🙏🏾🕊👑🏀
Bill Russell has my respect and will always he is the best player ever
Bill deserves to be mentioned as one of the greatest athletes, leaders and people to ever exist. Rip to the ultimate winner
Rip bill Russell one of the best nba players of all time. It’s just crazy to look back at this video, and just remember that he’s not here anymore. RIP legend🕊
RIP BROTHA LEGEND MAN OF THE PEOPLE condolences to the family
The General Of The NBA Mr.Bill Russel
RIP MR RUSSELL
Let's see...won back to back NCAA titles...won a Olympic Gold Medal in basketball as captain....won the NBA title in 1957...1959...1960...1961...1962...1963...1964...1965...1966...(became the player/coach of the Celtics)...and won again in 1968 & 1969. Played from 1956-1969...11 titles in 13 years...5 x MVP...12 time all star...12 consecutive years of 1,000 + rebounds...the greatest defensive player who ever lived. MAYBE the most intelligent player ever. He studied his opponents and could anticipate their every move on the court.
He is the GOAT. It’s not Jordan or Kobe or Lebron. It’s Bill Russel.
RIP to one the greatest centers of all time 😢🙏
RIP sir. Thank you for your contributions to the game we all love!!! 🙏😔❤️🏀
Bill Russell and kc Jones won 60 consecutive games and two consecutive ncaa championships before becoming teammates on the Celtics...The Absolute GOAT ❤❤❤
Magic and russell are great leaders
RIP to one of the greatest to ever play the game. 11 rings ain't ever gonna be touched
RIP to the winningest basketball player of all-time
James harden out here rubbing his hands together looking like an idiot
LOLLLLLLL your comment cracked me up. You're right
he's cookin pot bruh
Beattyz he was rolling a booger he picked from his nose
Beattyz .... couldn't stop laughing at this comment lol
bruh im going to be broke if you keep taking all the Ws
Who is here after he just passed away. RIP to one of the greatest players and men of all time. 🙏🙏🙏
Bill Russell is 1 true legend, only player to have 11 rings and stayed with that 1 team until the end of his career 🥳🥳🔥🔥. Sad to see him gone R.I.P Bill 😭😭😭
To have all those guys welcoming me to the stage, then realizing that I influenced and inspired all of them...Man, Bill Russell is truly one of the greatest of all time, not to mention the greatest defensive player of all time, and I'm sure he felt that way then.
I held tears... this man need more respect from everybody. Will be sad when he leaves the world for the NBA
G. C. Not among casual fans which is the majority.
He is the only one who gave respect to not even a human.
Rest in Peace Mr. Russell, you'll always be remembered as one of the greatest to ever play this sport. RIP Legend
Bill Russell and Kareem are TITANS
the greatest of all times. respect wants bill russell put on it's name.
As impressive as the the battles in the 90's and 80's were and as great as some of the players were, I don't think the greatest rivalries since can measure up to Russel vs Chamberlain. Magic and Bird come close, but to me, it's like comparing a fight today to a prehistoric fight. We might see two bulls or sharks go at it today, but we will never again see two T-Rexes tangle like Russel and Chamberlain did.
Zachary Licht great analogy💪💪
I agree, Bill and Wilt were tremendous and really battled it out over the years.
95 finals
For me the Most Special Man and Player of All Time!!!
Bill Russell!!!
Forever!!!
FF
Thank you sir Bill Russell! Rest in Peace sir.
People underappreciating Bill Russel just because theres only few teams in his time. He is one of the pioneers of NBA, let alone Basketball.
R.I.P Bill Russell 🙏🏽🙌🏽