The NBA world is still feeling shocked and sad at the loss of Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell.
Russell passed away at 88 this weekend and left behind a legacy that literally cannot be topped.
He won 11 championships in 13 seasons and was the first Black basketball player to really break through into the mainstream and become a superstar.
There is just simply no doubt that he is one of the best to ever play the game.
"I hope we made you proud man. Thank you for everything."
After winning their first career NBA Finals, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett showed their respect and appreciation to Bill Russell. pic.twitter.com/Rn3DVohMzc
— NBA (@NBA) August 2, 2022
Russell had a relationship that was at times strained with Boston but he was still a loyal Celtics fan until the very end.
He was also on hand when they won the NBA Finals in 2008.
Immediately following their huge victory, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett found Russell and thanked him for all he did.
“I hope we made you proud, man,” Garnett said.
He added: “Thank you for everything.”
Garnett’s thankful sentiment is one that many people are feeling today.
One Of A Kind
Russell never hid this troubled connection to Boston and the way that some fans treated him during his career.
But he still loved the team he played for and the men who came before and after him.
This was clearly on display during the 2008 championship run when he was the team’s biggest supporter and rooted them on during every game.
Russell’s view of the city got better in the later years of his life and thankfully things ended well between him and Boston.
They are now celebrating him as the most-accomplished Celtic to ever play.
There have been many players who have done great things for the Celtics over the years but no one has topped Russell.
And it’s very unlikely that anyone ever will.
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