Bill Russell

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Bill Russell

Inducted:
2021

Bill Russell NBA Hall of Fame

Player Stats

6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
215 lb (98 kg)

Born:
February 12, 1934
Monroe, Louisiana, U.S.

Died:
July 31, 2022
Mercer Island, Washington, U.S.

Position:
Center (As Player)
Coach

College:
San Francisco (1953–1956)

Bill Russell is one of the greatest champions in sports history and the ultimate symbol of winning in the NBA.

As the cornerstone of the Boston Celtics dynasty, he led the team to 11 NBA championships in 13 seasons—a record that still stands. Drafted in 1956, Russell revolutionized the game with his shot-blocking, rebounding, and leadership.

Though not a prolific scorer, his impact on defense and team success was unmatched. A five-time MVP, Russell was known for his fierce competitiveness, intelligence, and unselfish play.

He later became the first Black head coach in NBA history, winning two titles as a player-coach. Off the court, he was a vocal civil rights advocate and a symbol of integrity.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1975 and as a coach in 2021, Russell’s legacy extends far beyond basketball—he changed the game and helped shape the league's values and culture.

Russell's Awards and Records

As Player

  • 11× NBA champion (1957, 1959–1966, 1968, 1969)[a]
  • 5× NBA Most Valuable Player (1958, 1961–1963, 1965)
  • 12× NBA All-Star (1958–1969)
  • NBA All-Star Game MVP (1963)
  • 3× All-NBA First Team (1959, 1963, 1965)
  • 8× All-NBA Second Team (1958, 1960–1962, 1964, 1966–1968)
  • NBA All-Defensive First Team (1969)
  • 4× NBA rebounding champion (1958, 1959, 1964, 1965)
  • NBA anniversary team (25th, 35th, 50th, 75th)
  • 6 retired by Boston Celtics
  • 6 retired by NBA leaguewide
  • SI Sportsman of the Year (1968)

As Coach

  • 2× NBA Champion as player-coach (1968, 1969 – Boston Celtics)
  • First Black head coach in NBA (and major U.S. pro sports) history (1966)
  • Only person in NBA history to win multiple championships as a player-coach
  • Playoff coaching record: 18–8 (.692 winning percentage)
  • Led Celtics to back-to-back championships in first two seasons as coach
  • Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach (2021)
  • Coached three NBA teams: Celtics, SuperSonics, Kings
  • One of the few individuals inducted into the Hall of Fame as both player and coach

 

Teams

As Player
Boston Celtics 1956–1969

As Coach
Boston Celtics 1966–1969
Seattle Super Sonics 1973–1977
Sacramento Kings 1987–1988

NBA Draft:
1956: 1st round, 2nd overall pick
St. Louis Hawks

Numbers Worn:
6

Career Stats

As Player
Games Played:
963
Points:
14,522 (15.1 PPG)
Rebounds:
21,620 (22.5 RPG)
Assists:
4,100 (4.3 APG)
FG%:
44.0%
FT%:
56.1%

As Coach
Games Coached: 
654
Wins:
341
Losses:
290
Winning Percentage:
.540
Playoff Record:
18–8
Playoff Winning %:
.692
NBA Championships as Coach:
2