NBA community and others react to death of Hall of Famer Bill Russell
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NBA legend and Hall of Famer Bill Russell died Sunday at the age of 88. A cause of death wasn’t given, nor did a family statement say where he died.
The former Boston Celtics center was professional basketball's first Black superstar, winning 11 championships and five MVPs during his career, which included becoming the first Black head coach of a major pro sports team.
Athletes and celebrities around the world shared their thoughts and highlighted Russell's career and work as a player, coach and advocate for civil rights and social justice:
Bill Russell was a treasure as a player, coach and especially as a human being. @Lakers and @celtics fans can agree on this today. 😔💜💚😔 https://t.co/TTDfp9w8Zq
— Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) July 31, 2022
Insightful comments by #24 https://t.co/XVtmAtxJiP
— Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) July 31, 2022
The definition of champion, on and off the court. Thank you for everything, Bill. pic.twitter.com/tB5nLoslSF
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 31, 2022
To be the greatest champion in your sport, to revolutionize the way the game is played, and to be a societal leader all at once seems unthinkable, but that is who Bill Russell was. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/K0Ue0hKiLs
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) July 31, 2022
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Bill Russell: pic.twitter.com/DGX6ukOT4b
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) July 31, 2022
Thanku for being a trailblazer , pioneer Thanku for setting the bar , for ur kind words of wisdom, Thanku for that great laugh u had . I can go on all day about what u meant to me . Today is a sad day for the NBA family u will be forever missed #6
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) July 31, 2022
R.I.P Bill Russell. You allowed me to be in the position I am in today and you changed not only the league but the world. Forever 6.
— Grant Williams (@Grant2Will) July 31, 2022
Today, we lost a giant.
As tall as Bill Russell stood, his legacy rises far higher—both as a player and as a person.— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 31, 2022
Bill Russell was one of the kindest, most thoughtful people I’ve ever met. Once called out of the blue because he thought I looked sad on TV…best pep talk of my life. RIP
— Jon Stewart (@jonstewart) July 31, 2022
My deepest condolences to the family, loved ones and the @NBA community on the loss of the greatest champion we’ve ever known: BILL RUSSELL. An activist, a pioneer, a humanitarian. He made the world better for us all.#RIPCHAMPION
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 31, 2022
The LA Clippers join the basketball community in mourning the passing of Bill Russell -- the ultimate winner, leader and trailblazer. His impact and his legend will live forever. pic.twitter.com/vJk70UllsY
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) July 31, 2022
Legends are forever.
RIP Bill Russell, truly a titan of our game. pic.twitter.com/EKpLABwzmT— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) July 31, 2022
A statement from Hornets Chairman Michael Jordan on the passing of NBA legend Bill Russell. pic.twitter.com/RdYcnuCrmb
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) July 31, 2022
RIP Bill Russell…one of the greatest champions ever#Legend
— Lincoln Riley (@LincolnRiley) August 1, 2022
Current Celtic players Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart, Lakers great Magic Johnson and tennis legend Billie Jean King all also shared their condolences and memories of Russell.
Jayson Tatum: "Thank you for everything! R.I.P. Legend 🙏"
Michael Jordan: "Bill Russell was a pioneer — as a player, as a champion, as the NBA's first Black head coach and as an activist. 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."
Jaylen Brown: "Rest In Peace 🕊️ thank you for paving the way and inspiring so many Today is a sad day but also great day to celebrate his legacy and what he stood for 💚"
Charles Barkley: "Bill Russell's passing is not just an NBA loss, it is a world loss. When your actions match your words on important issues, you are a great man, not just a great basketball player. The word 'hero' is tossed around a lot, but today it is perfect. RIP GREAT MAN BR."
Marcus Smart: "12 time @NBA All-Star 11 NBA rings 5 MVPs No 3-point line No social media Just played and dominated in a day and a league that was def not soft. @celtics to the core ☘️ RIP @RealBillRussell 😥 #LEGENDARY"
Magic Johnson: "I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of the greatest winner the game of basketball has ever seen, a legend, hall of famer, mentor and my friend for over 30 years, Bill Russell. 💔"
Billie Jean King: "Bill Russell was a once-in-a-generation activist athlete who made all around him better. He had a career of firsts & led the way for many. I admired him my entire life & he had a huge influence on my career. He was the ultimate leader, ultimate team player & ultimate champion."
Scottie Pippen: "Bill Russell was the epitome of a champion, in every sense of the word. He was an innovator who broke through barriers and for all of his extraordinary successes on the court, he was just as impactful off of it. Bill faced and overcame adversities and obstacles, and those triumphs would benefit not just future generations of NBA players, but all modern athletes of color. What a life, what a legacy. My condolences to his wife, family, friends and everyone else whose life he touched."
Ronnie Lott: "The most dominant champion of all time. His battles against Wilt were like watching heavyweights working in the gym. Heart, determination, courage on, and off, the court. All our respect and love is with his family. Peace."
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: "Bill Russell was the quintessential big man — not because of his height but because of the size of his heart. In basketball he showed us how to play with grace and passion. In life he showed us how to live with compassion and joy. He was my friend. My mentor. My role model. RIP my friend ... my deepest condolences to his family."
James Worthy: "Was an absolute honor to spend time with #BillRussell. He was a walking encyclopedia. I remember him quoting once — 'Basketball is what I do for a living, but it's not necessarily who I am.' His legacy will NEVER be forgotten!"
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.