Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Bill Russell

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Bill Russell made an impact.

Bill Russell was a dominant American professional basketball player, primarily a center for the Boston Celtics (1956-1969). He anchored the Celtics dynasty, leading them to an unprecedented 11 NBA championships in 13 years. Renowned for his exceptional defense, rebounding, and shot-blocking skills, Russell is regarded as one of the greatest basketball players ever.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1945: NCAA Prohibited Goaltending

In 1945, the NCAA prohibited goaltending in response to George Mikan's play.

1946: Beginning play in the BAA season

In 1946, the Celtics began playing in the BAA season. The team's second-best record since beginning play guaranteed Russell his first NBA playoffs appearance.

December 1, 1953: Varsity Debut at USF

On December 1, 1953, Bill Russell made his varsity debut for USF's basketball team.

1954: First Major College Team to Start Three African-American Players

In 1954, USF became the first major college basketball program to start three African-American players: K. C. Jones, Hal Perry, and Bill Russell.

1955: NCAA Championship and Most Outstanding Player Award

In 1955, Bill Russell led USF to an NCAA championship and was named the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player.

1955: NCAA Championship

In 1955, Bill Russell led the San Francisco Dons to an NCAA championship.

December 22, 1956: First Celtics Game

On December 22, 1956, Bill Russell played his first game for the Boston Celtics against the St. Louis Hawks, immediately making an impact with his defensive skills.

1956: Played with US Olympic team

Bill Russell wore number 6 for the 1956 U.S. Olympic team.

1956: Start of NBA Career

In 1956, Bill Russell began his NBA career, playing center for the Boston Celtics.

1956: Second NCAA Championship

In 1956, Bill Russell led USF to their second consecutive NCAA championship.

1956: Second NCAA Championship and Olympics

In 1956, Bill Russell led the San Francisco Dons to a second consecutive NCAA championship and was named NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player. He also captained the gold medal-winning U.S. national basketball team at the Summer Olympics that year.

1956: 1956 NBA season

In 1956, Bill Russell played 48 games, averaging 14.7 points per game and a league-high 19.6 rebounds per game.

1956: Russell's Rookie Contract

In 1956, Bill Russell signed a rookie contract worth $24,000 with the Celtics, which was only slightly less than top earner Bob Cousy's salary.

1956: Drafted and Traded to the Celtics

In 1956, Bill Russell was drafted by the St. Louis Hawks and then traded to the Boston Celtics.

1956: Track and Field Accomplishments

In 1956, Bill Russell was ranked among the top high-jumpers in the world, won high jump titles at multiple meets, and tied with Charlie Dumas, who later won gold at the Summer Olympics. He also chose basketball over the Olympics that year.

1956: NCAA championship and Olympic gold medal

In 1956, Bill Russell won the NCAA championship with USF and an Olympic gold medal, marking a successful year.

1956: Captain of U.S. Olympic Basketball Team

In 1956, before his NBA rookie year, Bill Russell captained the U.S. men's Olympic basketball team at the Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia, overcoming challenges to participate.

1957: NBA Title with Celtics

In 1957, Bill Russell won the NBA title with the Celtics, his first NBA championship.

1957: Celtics win the 1957 NBA Championship

In 1957, the Celtics secured their first NBA championship by defeating the St. Louis Hawks in a highly competitive Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Russell's defensive efforts, including the famous "Coleman Play", and Heinsohn's scoring prowess were instrumental in the victory. Auerbach was also fined for punching his colleague Ben Kerner.

1957: First NBA Championship

In 1957, with Russell as the starting center, the Boston Celtics won their first NBA championship.

1957: 1957-58 NBA Season

In the 1957-58 NBA season, the Celtics won fourteen straight games, and Russell averaged 16.6 points per game and a league-record average of 22.7 rebounds per game. He was voted the NBA Most Valuable Player.

1958: Russell selected to All-NBA Second Team

In 1958, Bill Russell was selected to the All-NBA Second Team.

1958: 1958-59 NBA season

In the 1958-59 NBA season, Bill Russell averaged 16.7 points per game and 23.0 rebounds per game.

November 7, 1959: Russell vs. Chamberlain: "The Big Collision"

On November 7, 1959, Bill Russell's Celtics hosted Wilt Chamberlain's Warriors in a highly anticipated matchup dubbed "The Big Collision." While Chamberlain outscored Russell, the Celtics won the game, marking the beginning of a great basketball rivalry.

1959: Start of Eight Consecutive Championships

From 1959 to 1966, with Bill Russell playing a central role, the Celtics won an NBA record eight consecutive championships.

1959: Celtics Win the 1959 NBA Championship

In 1959, Bill Russell led the Celtics to capture the NBA title, sweeping the Minneapolis Lakers 4-0.

1959: Russell wins NBA MVP award and selected to All-NBA First Team

In 1959, Bill Russell won his first NBA MVP award and was selected to the All-NBA First Team.

February 5, 1960: Russell's Record-Breaking Rebound Performance

On February 5, 1960, Bill Russell achieved 23 points, 51 rebounds, and 5 assists in a game against the Syracuse Nationals, setting a record for most rebounds in a single game at the time.

November 24, 1960: Chamberlain Breaks Rebound Record; Celtics Win

On November 24, 1960, Wilt Chamberlain grabbed 55 rebounds against Bill Russell, breaking Russell's single-game rebound record. Despite this, Russell led the Celtics to a 132–129 win over the Philadelphia Warriors.

1960: Russell selected to All-NBA Second Team

In 1960, Bill Russell was selected to the All-NBA Second Team.

1960: 1960-61 NBA season

In the 1960-61 NBA season, Bill Russell averaged 16.9 points and 23.9 rebounds per game, leading his team to a regular season mark of 57-22.

1961: Russell wins NBA MVP award

In 1961, Bill Russell won his second NBA MVP award.

1961: Celtics Win 1961 NBA Championship

In 1961, the Celtics defeated the Syracuse Nationals 4-1 in the Eastern Division finals and won the 1961 NBA Finals in five games against the Los Angeles Lakers.

1961: 1961-62 NBA season

In the 1961-62 NBA season, Russell scored a career-high 18.9 points per game, accompanied by 23.6 rebounds per game.

1962: Russell selected to All-NBA Second Team

In 1962, Bill Russell was selected to the All-NBA Second Team.

1962: Celtics become first team to win 60 games

In 1962, the Celtics became the first team to win 60 games in a season. Russell was voted as the league's MVP.

1962: 1962 NBA Finals

In 1962, the Celtics faced the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals, splitting the first six games. In Game 6, Russell recorded his first career triple-double and in Game 7, Russell finished with 30 points and 40 rebounds to win the series in overtime after a missed shot by the Lakers at the end of regulation.

February 10, 1963: Russell Records First Regular Season Triple-Double

On February 10, 1963, Bill Russell recorded his first regular season triple-double, posting 17 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win against the New York Knicks.

1963: Russell wins NBA MVP award and selected to All-NBA First Team

In 1963, Bill Russell won another NBA MVP award and was selected to the All-NBA First Team.

1963: 1963-64 NBA Season

In the 1963-64 NBA season, the Celtics posted a league-best 58–22 record in the regular season. Russell scored 15.0 points per game and grabbed a career-high 24.7 rebounds per game, leading the NBA in rebounds.

1964: Russell selected to All-NBA Second Team

In 1964, Bill Russell was selected to the All-NBA Second Team.

1964: 1964-65 NBA Season

In the 1964-65 NBA season, the Celtics won a league-record 62 games.

March 11, 1965: Russell Grabs 49 Rebounds in a Game

On March 11, 1965, Bill Russell had 49 rebounds in a 112-100 win over the Detroit Pistons, tying for the third-most in a single game in NBA history.

1965: Russell wins NBA MVP award and selected to All-NBA First Team

In 1965, Bill Russell won his fifth NBA MVP award and was selected to the All-NBA First Team.

1965: Russell Demands Higher Salary

In 1965, after Wilt Chamberlain became the first NBA player to earn $100,000, Bill Russell demanded and received a $100,001 salary from the Celtics.

1965: 1965 NBA Playoffs

In 1965, during the Eastern Division finals against the Philadelphia 76ers, Bill Russell held Wilt Chamberlain to limited scoring in Game 3 and contributed significantly in Game 5 with 12 points, 28 rebounds, 7 assists, 10 blocks, and 6 steals. Blocks and steals became officially recorded statistics in the 1973–74 NBA season.

April 16, 1966: Russell Agrees to Become Celtics Head Coach

On April 16, 1966, Bill Russell agreed to become the head coach of the Boston Celtics. Two days later, a public announcement was made, making Russell the first black head coach in NBA history.

1966: Named Celtics Head Coach

In 1966, Bill Russell became the head coach of the Boston Celtics. He addressed concerns about racial prejudice by emphasizing respect for a player's ability, period. Russell's negative experiences with racial bigotry led to a strained relationship with fans and journalists.

1966: Russell Gets a Shoe Deal

In 1966, Bill Russell had a shoe designed by Bristol Manufacturing Corporation, called the Bill Russell Professional Basketball Shoe.

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1966: Russell selected to All-NBA Second Team

In 1966, Bill Russell was selected to the All-NBA Second Team.

1966: Celtics Win the 1966 NBA Championship

In 1966, The Celtics won their eighth consecutive title after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 7 of the NBA finals.

1966: End of Eight Consecutive Championships

In 1966, the Celtics concluded their run of eight consecutive NBA championships.

1967: Russell at the Cleveland Summit

In 1967, Bill Russell participated in the Cleveland Summit, supporting Muhammad Ali's decision to refuse being drafted into the military.

1967: NCAA Banned the Dunk Shot

In 1967, the NCAA banned the dunk shot due to Lew Alcindor, although this rule was later repealed.

1969: End of NBA Career

In 1969, Bill Russell ended his 13-year NBA career with the Boston Celtics.

1969: Russell's Last Championship and Retirement

In 1969, Bill Russell helped the Celtics win another NBA championship and then retired from playing and coaching.

1969: Russell Retires and Cuts Ties with Celtics

In 1969, Bill Russell retired from the Celtics and severed all ties with the team, surprising Red Auerbach and the organization. He sold his retirement story to Sports Illustrated for $10,000 and pursued a career in television and movies.

1969: Russell selected to NBA All-Defensive First Team

In 1969, during his last season, Bill Russell was selected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, the inaugural year for the selection of All-Defensive Teams.

1971: Joins NBA on ABC

In 1971, Bill Russell became a commentator for the NBA on ABC's "Game of the Week."

March 12, 1972: Jersey retired by Celtics

On March 12, 1972, the Boston Celtics retired Bill Russell's jersey No. 6, which he also wore at USF and for the 1956 U.S. Olympic team.

1973: Head coach of Seattle SuperSonics

In 1973, Bill Russell became the head coach and general manager of the Seattle SuperSonics.

1973: Head Coach and General Manager for Seattle SuperSonics

In 1973, Bill Russell began his tenure as head coach and general manager of the Seattle SuperSonics.

1973: Blocks and Steals become officially recorded statistics

In the 1973-74 NBA season, blocks and steals became officially recorded statistics.

1975: Inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 1975, Bill Russell was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, though he did not attend the ceremony.

1977: End of Tenure with Seattle SuperSonics

In 1977, Bill Russell concluded his time as head coach and general manager of the Seattle SuperSonics.

1977: Leaves Seattle SuperSonics

In 1977, after leading the SuperSonics to their first playoff appearance but struggling to implement his coaching style, Bill Russell departed with a 162-166 record.

1978: Fosbury Flop Dominance

After 1978, all high jump world records have been set using the Fosbury Flop.

1985: Tutoring Benoit Benjamin

In 1985, Bill Russell tutored Benoit Benjamin, a top draft pick, at the request of former teammate and Clippers head coach Don Chaney.

1987: Coaching the Sacramento Kings

In 1987, Bill Russell started coaching the Sacramento Kings.

1988: End of Coaching Career with Sacramento Kings

In 1988, Bill Russell ended his coaching career with the Sacramento Kings.

May 6, 1999: Jersey re-retirement ceremony

On May 6, 1999, the Celtics re-retired Bill Russell's jersey in a ceremony at the FleetCenter, attended by notable figures like Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, where Russell received a standing ovation.

2001: Publication of 'Russell Rules'

In 2001, Bill Russell, along with David Falkner, published "Russell Rules: 11 Lessons on Leadership from the Twentieth Century's Greatest Winner", sharing insights on leadership.

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2009: Russell praised as smartest player

In 2009, Bill Bradley wrote in The New York Times Book Review that Bill Russell "was the smartest player ever to play the game [of basketball]".

2010: Recalling Celtics racial progress

In 2010, Russell recalled the Boston Celtics' racial progress during the 1950s and 1960s, emphasizing the organization's accomplishments and his personal experiences.

2011: Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2011, Barack Obama awarded Bill Russell the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his achievements in basketball and contributions to the civil rights movement.

2015: Statues of children added to Russell statue

In 2015, two statues of children were added to the Bill Russell statue, honoring Russell's commitment to working with children.

August 2, 2020: WCC adopts the Russell Rule

On August 2, 2020, the West Coast Conference (WCC) became the first NCAA Division I conference to adopt a conference-wide diversity hiring commitment, announcing the Russell Rule, named after Bill Russell.

2021: Hall of Fame Induction as Coach

In 2021, Bill Russell attended his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach, marking a unique recognition of his coaching career.

2021: Selection to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team and Second Hall of Fame Induction

In 2021, Bill Russell was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame a second time for his coaching career.

August 11, 2022: Russell's No. 6 jersey retired throughout the NBA

On August 11, 2022, it was announced that Bill Russell's No. 6 jersey would be retired throughout the National Basketball Association, the first time a jersey had been retired league-wide in NBA history.