Bill Russell

Born February 12, 1934, in Monroe, Louisiana, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Center Bill Russell. This legendary big man was a twelve-time NBA All-Star and five-time League Most Valuable Player. Russell was drafted by the St. Louis Hawks with the second overall pick in the 1956 NBA draft, but he was traded to the Boston Celtics on draft day. The Celtics had been one of the worst teams in the NBA for several years, but Russell quickly turned the team around. He led the Celtics to their first NBA championship in 1957, and he helped them win eight consecutive championships from 1959 to 1966.

"Bill the Hill" was a dominant force on the defensive end of the court. He was a relentless rebounder and a fearsome shot blocker. He was also a very intelligent player, and he was a master of defensive positioning. Russell was also a very good passer, and he often led the Celtics in assists.

Russell "The Stuffer" was not a prolific scorer, but he was a very efficient one. He averaged 15.1 points per game over his career, but he shot 52.6% from the field. He was also a very good free throw shooter, making 78.5% of his free throws.

Here are some more great posts collected on Bill Russell below.

Calling all Hoops fans! Prepare to step onto the hallowed court of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Over the next series of posts, we'll be honoring the elite few, the immortals who have carved their names into the very fabric of the sport.

These are the players – the sky-walking slam dunkers, the silky smooth shooters, the defensive titans – whose brilliance, dedication, and impact on the game have earned them a place among basketball royalty. The few legendary players of thousands that are held in such high esteem that they are forever remembered in the museum of basketball greats.

From the pioneers who laid the groundwork on dusty playgrounds to the modern marvels redefining the game on the global stage, the Hall of Fame boasts a pantheon of legends. We'll delve into their remarkable stories and bios.