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 center for the Boston Celtics from 1956-1969. He anchored a dynasty, winning 11 NBA championships in his 13 seasons. Renowned for his defense, rebounding, and shot-blocking, Russell is regarded as one of basketball's greatest players. His leadership both on and off the court was instrumental to the Celtics' success, solidifying his place as a sporting icon.
1945: Goaltending Prohibited (Response to George Mikan)
In 1945, the NCAA prohibited goaltending in response to George Mikan.
1946: BAA Season Start
In 1946, the Celtics began play in the 1946-47 BAA season.
1950: Celtics miss playoffs
In 1950, The Celtics failed to make the playoffs.
December 1, 1953: Varsity Debut
On December 1, 1953, Bill Russell made his varsity debut for the USF Dons.
1955: Worst Season Since 1955-56
The Celtics stumbled through the regular season. Their 48–34 record was the team's worst since the 1955–56 NBA season and they entered the 1969 NBA playoffs as the fourth-seeded team in the East.
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.
1956: Joins Boston Celtics
In 1956, Bill Russell began his career with the Boston Celtics of the NBA.
1956: Second NCAA Championship and Olympics
In 1956, Bill Russell led the San Francisco Dons to a consecutive NCAA championship. He was also named NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player, and captained the gold medal-winning U.S. national basketball team at the 1956 Summer Olympics.
1956: Regular Season and Playoffs
In 1956, Bill Russell played 48 games, averaging 14.7 points and a league-high 19.6 rebounds. The Celtics finished the 1956-57 regular season with a 44-28 record, guaranteeing Russell his first NBA playoffs appearance.
1956: Russell signs rookie contract
In 1956, Bill Russell signed a rookie contract worth $24,000, which was only slightly less than teammate Bob Cousy's $25,000, allowing Russell to focus solely on basketball without needing a part-time job.
1956: NBA Draft and Trade to Celtics
In 1956, Bill Russell was drafted by the St. Louis Hawks and then traded to the Boston Celtics.
1956: Russell Wins NCAA Championship and Olympic Gold Medal
In 1956, Bill Russell won the NCAA championship with USF and an Olympic gold medal, marking significant achievements early in his career.
November 16, 1957: Russell Sets NBA Record for Rebounds in One Half
On November 16, 1957, Bill Russell set the NBA record for rebounds in one half with 32 against Philadelphia, showcasing his dominance on the boards.
1957: Success in the 1957-58 NBA Season
At the start of the 1957-58 NBA season, the Celtics won fourteen straight games and continued to succeed. Russell averaged 16.6 points per game and a league-record average of 22.7 rebounds per game.
1957: Russell Wins NBA Title with Celtics
In 1957, Bill Russell won his first NBA title with the Boston Celtics, solidifying his status as a basketball champion.
1957: First NBA Championship
In 1957, with Bill Russell as their starting center, the Celtics won their first NBA championship.
1958: Russell Selected to the All-NBA Second Team
In 1958, Bill Russell was selected to the All-NBA Second Team, recognizing his outstanding performance and contributions to the league.
1958: 1958 NBA Playoffs and Finals
In 1958, the Celtics made the playoffs, ultimately facing the St. Louis Hawks in the NBA Finals. Russell suffered a foot injury during the series, and the Hawks prevailed, winning the championship.
1958: 1958-59 NBA Season Start
In the 1958-59 NBA season, Russell averaged 16.7 points per game and 23.0 rebounds per game.
November 7, 1959: Debut of Wilt Chamberlain and "The Big Collision"
On November 7, 1959, Russell's Celtics hosted Wilt Chamberlain's Warriors. Despite Chamberlain outscoring Russell, the Celtics won, marking the start of their great rivalry.
1959: Russell Achieves Highest Rebound Per Game Average in NBA Finals
In 1959, Bill Russell achieved the NBA Finals record for the highest rebound per game average at 29.5, highlighting his exceptional rebounding skills in the finals.
1959: Russell Wins First NBA MVP Award
In 1959, Bill Russell won his first NBA MVP award, recognizing his outstanding performance and contributions to the league.
1959: Start of Eight Consecutive Championships
In 1959, the Celtics began an NBA record eight consecutive championships.
1959: NBA Title Recaptured
In 1959, the Celtics, led by Russell, won a record 52 games and swept the Minneapolis Lakers 4-0 to recapture the NBA title.
February 5, 1960: 51 Rebounds in a Single Game
On February 5, 1960, Russell recorded 23 points, 51 rebounds, and 5 assists in a 124-100 win over the Syracuse Nationals. This was the record for most rebounds in a single game until later that year.
March 29, 1960: Russell Ties NBA Finals Single-Game Rebound Record
On March 29, 1960, Bill Russell tied the NBA Finals single-game record for most rebounds with 40 against St. Louis, demonstrating his dominance in crucial games.
April 9, 1960: Russell Starts Consecutive Games with 20 or More Rebounds
Starting on April 9, 1960, Bill Russell began a streak of 15 consecutive games with 20 or more rebounds, showcasing his consistency and dominance on the boards.
November 24, 1960: Russell vs Chamberlain
On November 24, 1960, Chamberlain grabbed 55 rebounds against Russell, who led the Celtics to a 132-129 win over the Philadelphia Warriors with 18 points, 19 rebounds, and 5 assists.
1960: Russell Selected to the All-NBA Second Team
In 1960, Bill Russell was selected to the All-NBA Second Team, recognizing his outstanding performance and contributions to the league.
1960: 1960-61 NBA Season
In the 1960-61 NBA season, 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 an NBA MVP award, recognizing his outstanding performance and contributions to the league.
1961: NBA Championship Victory
In 1961, the Celtics won the NBA Finals in five games against the Los Angeles Lakers, capitalizing on their exhaustion from a long series.
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.
April 18, 1962: Russell Sets NBA Finals Single-Game and Quarter Rebound Records
On April 18, 1962, Bill Russell set the NBA Finals single-game rebound record with 40 and most rebounds in a quarter with 19 against Los Angeles, underscoring his prowess on the boards.
1962: MVP and Celtics Dominance
In 1962, despite Wilt Chamberlain's record-breaking season, the Celtics became the first team to win 60 games, and Russell was voted league MVP.
1962: NBA Finals Game 6 and 7
In 1962, during Game 6 of the NBA Finals, Russell recorded his first career triple-double. He had 30 points and tied his own NBA Finals record with 40 rebounds during Game 7, leading to a 110-107 overtime win.
February 10, 1963: First Regular Season Triple-Double
On February 10, 1963, Russell recorded his first regular season triple-double, putting up 17 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 129-123 win over the New York Knicks.
April 16, 1963: Russell Ends Consecutive Games with 20 or More Rebounds
On April 16, 1963, Bill Russell's streak ended, concluding with 15 consecutive games with 20 or more rebounds.
1963: Russell Wins NBA MVP Award
In 1963, Bill Russell won an NBA MVP award, recognizing his outstanding performance and contributions to the league.
1963: Dominant 1963-64 Season and Championship
In 1963, the Celtics had a league-best 58-22 record. They defeated the San Francisco Warriors in the NBA Finals, marking their sixth consecutive and seventh title in Russell's eight years.
1964: Russell Selected to the All-NBA Second Team
In 1964, Bill Russell was selected to the All-NBA Second Team, recognizing his outstanding performance and contributions to the league.
1964: 1964-65 NBA Season
In the 1964-65 NBA season, Russell averaged 14.1 points and 24.1 rebounds per game, winning his second consecutive rebounding title and his fifth MVP award.
March 11, 1965: 49 Rebounds in a Game
On March 11, 1965, Russell grabbed 49 rebounds in a win against the Detroit Pistons, tying for the third-most in a single game in NBA history.
1965: Russell Wins NBA MVP Award
In 1965, Bill Russell won an NBA MVP award, recognizing his outstanding performance and contributions to the league.
1965: Russell demands salary increase after Chamberlain's $100,000 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: NBA Finals Victory
In 1965, the Celtics won the NBA Finals 4-1 against the Los Angeles Lakers.
1965: 1965-66 NBA Season
In the 1965-66 NBA season, Russell contributed 12.9 points and 22.8 rebounds per game.
April 16, 1966: Appointment as Celtics Head Coach
On April 16, 1966, Bill Russell agreed to become head coach of the Celtics, succeeding Red Auerbach and becoming the first black head coach in NBA history.
1966: Russell becomes head coach of the Celtics
In 1966, Bill Russell became the head coach of the Boston Celtics. In a press conference, when asked if he could do the job impartially without any racial prejudice in reverse as the first Negro head coach in a major league sport, he replied that respect for a man's ability was the most important factor.
1966: Russell gets a shoe deal with Bristol Manufacturing Corporation
In 1966, Bill Russell had a shoe designed by Bristol Manufacturing Corporation, named the Bill Russell Professional Basketball Shoe.
1966: Russell Selected to the All-NBA Second Team
In 1966, Bill Russell was selected to the All-NBA Second Team, recognizing his outstanding performance and contributions to the league.
1966: End of Eight Consecutive Championships
In 1966, the Celtics concluded their NBA record eight consecutive championships.
1966: Eighth Consecutive Title
In 1966, the Celtics won their eighth consecutive title, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in a tight Game 7.
1967: 1967-68 NBA Season
During the 1967-68 NBA Season, Russell averaged 12.5 points per game and 18.6 rebounds per game.
1967: Russell supports Muhammad Ali at the Cleveland Summit
In 1967, Bill Russell participated in the Cleveland Summit to support Muhammad Ali's decision to refuse to be drafted into the military.
1967: Celtics Lose to 76ers in Eastern Division Finals
In 1967, Bill Russell's Boston Celtics lost to Wilt Chamberlain's Philadelphia 76ers 4-1 in the Eastern Division finals, ending their championship streak. The 76ers, who had a record-breaking 68 regular-season wins, defeated the Celtics, showcasing their dominance by scoring 140 points in the clinching Game 5. Russell acknowledged the loss by congratulating Chamberlain. He also shared a poignant moment with his grandfather, who was moved by the harmonious coexistence of black and white players on the team.
1967: Dunk Shot Banned (Response to Lew Alcindor)
In 1967, the NCAA banned the dunk shot due to Lew Alcindor, although the rule was later repealed.
1968: Russell leads Celtics to victory in Game 7 against 76ers and wins NBA Finals, named Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year
In 1968, Bill Russell led the Boston Celtics to a Game 7 victory against the Philadelphia 76ers, limiting Wilt Chamberlain's shot attempts in the second half. Following this win, the Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers to win the NBA Finals, marking Russell's tenth title in twelve years. Russell was then named Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year for his achievements.
1969: End of Celtics Career
In 1969, Bill Russell concluded his 13-year career with the Boston Celtics.
1969: Russell Retires and Celtics Win Championship
In 1969, Bill Russell ended his playing career after helping the Celtics win the NBA championship. He also left his position as Celtics coach.
1969: Russell retires from the Celtics
In 1969, Bill Russell retired from the Celtics and cut all ties with the organization, surprising Red Auerbach. This led to Auerbach drafting Jo Jo White instead of a center, a decision that would negatively affect the Celtics' performance in the following season. Russell's decision to sell his retirement story to Sports Illustrated for $10,000 caused controversy, with some accusing him of selling out the future of the franchise. He resigned to join 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 first season the NBA All-Defensive Teams were selected, highlighting his defensive prowess.
1969: Russell and Celtics upset Lakers to win NBA Finals
In the 1969 NBA Finals, Bill Russell's Celtics upset the Los Angeles Lakers, despite the Lakers having Wilt Chamberlain and other stars. After falling behind in the series, Russell adjusted his strategy and motivated his team. Sam Jones hit a buzzer beater in Game 4 to tie the series. The Celtics ultimately won Game 7 in Los Angeles, fueled by the Lakers' overconfidence and Russell's leadership.
1970: Celtics fail to make playoffs for first time since 1950
In 1970, The Celtics failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 1950.
March 12, 1972: Celtics Retire Russell's Jersey
On March 12, 1972, the Boston Celtics retired Bill Russell's No. 6 jersey. However, Russell, who had a difficult relationship with the media, did not attend the ceremony.
1973: Head Coach and GM of SuperSonics
In 1973, Bill Russell became the head coach and general manager of the Seattle SuperSonics.
1973: Blocks and Steals are Officially Recorded
In the 1973-74 NBA season, blocks and steals became officially recorded statistics.
1977: End of SuperSonics Tenure
In 1977, Bill Russell ended his tenure as head coach and general manager of the Seattle SuperSonics.
1977: Russell Leaves SuperSonics Coaching Position
In 1977, Bill Russell left his position as head coach of the Seattle SuperSonics with a 162-166 record, his defensive mindset not meshing well with the team.
1978: Fosbury Flop Introduced
After 1978, all high jump world records have been set with the Fosbury Flop.
1985: Russell tutors Benoit Benjamin
In 1985, Bill Russell mentored Benoit Benjamin, a top draft pick, at the request of Don Chaney, the head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers.
1987: Russell Coaches the Sacramento Kings
In 1987, Bill Russell began his stint as coach of the Sacramento Kings.
1988: End of Kings Coaching Career
In 1988, Bill Russell ended his coaching career with the Sacramento Kings.
1988: Russell's Last Assignment with the Sacramento Kings
In 1988, Bill Russell's last assignment with the Sacramento Kings ended after the team started the season with a 17-41 record.
May 6, 1999: Celtics Re-Retire Russell's Jersey
On May 6, 1999, the Boston Celtics re-retired Bill Russell's jersey in a ceremony attended by rivals and friends, including Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, after Russell initially was wary of perceived racism within the city. The event was at the FleetCenter (now TD Garden).
2000: Teammate Heinsohn's Description
In 2000, Tom Heinsohn described Bill Russell's stature and uneasy relationship with Boston, highlighting his 11 championships in 13 years.
January 2006: Russell Mediates Shaq-Kobe Feud
In January 2006, Bill Russell convinced Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant to end their feud, demonstrating his influence beyond the court.
December 2008: Russell Receives We Are Boston Leadership Award
In December 2008, Bill Russell was presented with the We Are Boston Leadership Award, honoring his contributions and impact.
2009: Bill Bradley Praises Russell as Smartest Player Ever
In 2009, Bill Bradley described Bill Russell as the "smartest player ever to play the game [of basketball]" in The New York Times Book Review, recognizing his exceptional basketball IQ.
2009: Russell's Motto
In 2009, Bill Russell shared his paternal grandfather's motto, emphasizing the importance of personal boundaries and standing up against oppression.
2010: Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2010, Bill Russell was named as a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing his impact both on and off the basketball court.
2010: Russell recalls Celtics' racial progress
In 2010, Russell recalled a list of the Celtics' accomplishments on racial progress both in terms of objective milestones and his own subjective experience as a member of the organization.
2011: Russell Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2011, Bill Russell was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, recognizing his significant contributions to sports and society.
November 1, 2013: Statue Unveiling
On November 1, 2013, a statue of Bill Russell was unveiled on City Hall Plaza in Boston, depicting him in-game and surrounded by plinths representing his 11 championships.
2015: Children Statues Added
In 2015, two statues of children were added to the Bill Russell statue display, honoring his commitment to working with children.
June 15, 2017: NBA Lifetime Achievement Award
On June 15, 2017, Bill Russell was announced as the inaugural recipient of the NBA Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to basketball.
September 26, 2017: Russell Takes a Knee in Solidarity
On September 26, 2017, Bill Russell posted a photo of himself taking the knee in solidarity with the U.S. national anthem kneeling protests, wearing his Presidential Medal of Freedom to show support against social injustice.
August 2, 2020: WCC Adopts Russell Rule
On August 2, 2020, the West Coast Conference announced the 'Russell Rule,' a conference-wide diversity hiring commitment based on the NFL's Rooney Rule and named after Bill Russell.
October 2021: NBA's 75 Greatest Players
In October 2021, Bill Russell was honored as one of the league's 75 greatest players of all time, solidifying his place among basketball legends.
2021: Russell Attends Hall of Fame Induction as Coach
In 2021, Bill Russell attended his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame, this time as a coach, reflecting his continued impact on the sport.
August 11, 2022: NBA Retires Jersey Number 6
On August 11, 2022, the NBA announced that Bill Russell's No. 6 jersey would be retired throughout the league, a first in NBA history, with existing players allowed to continue wearing it.
2024: Russell Remains Celtics Leader in Rebounds and Minutes Per Game
As of 2024, Bill Russell remains the leader in most career rebounds, minutes per game (42.3), and rebounds per game in Boston Celtics franchise history, demonstrating his enduring legacy.
2024: Value of 1956 rookie contract in 2024
In 2024, Bill Russell's 1956 rookie contract was worth $277,572.
