Bill Russell achieved incomparable accomplishments in his 13 years of playing in the NBA professionally. Eleven championships, five MVPs and 12 First All-NBA team appearances warranted Boston to award the legend with a statue in his likeness at City Hall.
“The biggest honor I got playing for the Celtics is they made me the captain,” Russell said humbly at a press conference. From there, he gave a class act speech on how appreciative he was to the Celtics organization.
Having clearly championed his on-court battles, Russell also faced mounds of adversity due to his race during a time where Blacks experienced prejudice and inequality on a daily basis.
President Barack Obama was there to greet the blueprint for centers. Hear Bill Russell speak below, and find a photo of him with the POTUS on the next page.
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