History of Bill Russell in Timeline
Bill Russell was a dominant center for the Boston Celtics (1956-1969), winning 11 NBA championships in 13 years. His leadership and defensive prowess anchored a Celtics dynasty. Widely considered one of basketball's greatest players, Russell's impact extended beyond statistics, influencing team play and inspiring generations.
February 12, 1934: William Felton Russell's Birth
On February 12, 1934, William Felton Russell was born. He later became a celebrated American professional basketball player.
1945: Goaltending Prohibition in Response to George Mikan
In 1945, the NCAA had previously prohibited goaltending in response to George Mikan.
1946: BAA Season
In the 1946-47 BAA season, the Celtics had their second-best record, marking an important milestone in the team's history.
1952: Graduation from McClymonds
In 1952, Bill Russell graduated from McClymonds High School.
1952: College Start at USF
In 1952, Bill Russell started college at the University of San Francisco (USF).
December 1, 1953: Varsity Debut
On December 1, 1953, Bill Russell made his varsity debut for the University of San Francisco Dons.
1954: Three African-American Players Started
In 1954, the coach of a major college basketball program was the first to start three African-American players: K. C. Jones, Hal Perry, and Russell.
1954: Racist Jeers at the All-College Tournament
In 1954, while in Oklahoma City for the All-College Tournament, Bill Russell and his black teammates faced racist jeers and were refused accommodation, leading the team to bond in protest.
1955: NCAA Championship Win
In 1955, Bill Russell led USF to an NCAA championship and was named NCAA tournament MOP.
December 22, 1956: First Game for the Boston Celtics
On December 22, 1956, Bill Russell played his first game for the Boston Celtics against the St. Louis Hawks, showcasing his defensive prowess.
1956: End of USF career
From 1953 to 1956, Bill Russell played on USF's varsity team.
1956: NBA Career Start
In 1956, Bill Russell began his NBA career, playing center for the Boston Celtics.
1956: Declining the Harlem Globetrotters Invitation
In 1956, Bill Russell declined an invitation to join the Harlem Globetrotters due to racial prejudice issues with the owner, Abe Saperstein.
1956: Second NCAA Championship Win
In 1956, Bill Russell led USF to a second NCAA championship.
1956: Marriage to Rose Swisher
In 1956, Bill Russell married his college sweetheart, Rose Swisher. This was his first marriage.
1956: Regular Season Performance
In 1956, Bill Russell played 48 games, averaging 14.7 points and a league-high 19.6 rebounds per game, contributing significantly to the Celtics' strong season.
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 in exchange for Ed Macauley and Cliff Hagan, a trade later considered one of the most important in sports history. The Celtics also drafted K. C. Jones and Heinsohn.
1956: Track and Field Achievements
In 1956, Bill Russell was ranked the seventh-best high-jumper in the world, won high jump titles at multiple events, and tied Charlie Dumas, who later won gold at the Summer Olympics. He chose basketball over high jump at the Olympics that year.
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 the start of his Triple Crown achievement.
1956: Russell Plays for the US Olympics team
In 1956, Bill Russell wore number 6 at the USF and for the U.S. Olympic team.
1956: Captain of the 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.
January 1, 1957: Game vs Philadelphia Warriors and Controversy
On January 1, 1957, after the Warriors-Celtics game, the coach of the Philadelphia Warriors questioned Russell's defense, but Auerbach dismissed the claims.
November 16, 1957: Russell sets record for rebounds in a half
On November 16, 1957, Bill Russell set the NBA record for rebounds in one half with 32 against Philadelphia.
1957: Russell sets NBA Finals record for highest rebound per game average by a rookie
In 1957, Bill Russell set the NBA Finals record for the highest rebound per game average by a rookie at 22.9.
1957: Russell wins NBA title with Celtics
In 1957, Bill Russell won the NBA title with the Boston Celtics, completing the first part of his back-to-back NCAA and NBA championship wins.
1957: First NBA Championship
In 1957, the Celtics won their first NBA championship, defeating the St. Louis Hawks in a highly competitive Game 7, with Russell making a crucial block, known as the "Coleman Play", to preserve the lead.
1957: Strong Season Performance
In the 1957-58 NBA season, the Celtics started strong, winning fourteen straight games with Russell averaging 16.6 points and a league-record 22.7 rebounds per game. He was voted NBA Most Valuable Player.
1958: All-NBA Second Team selection
In 1958, Russell was selected for the All-NBA Second Team, recognizing his achievements during the season.
1958: NBA Finals Loss
In 1958, the Celtics lost to the St. Louis Hawks in the NBA Finals after Russell suffered a foot injury during the series.
1958: Strong Performance
In the 1958-59 NBA season, Russell averaged 16.7 points and 23.0 rebounds per game.
November 7, 1959: "The Big Collision"
On November 7, 1959, Russell's Celtics hosted Chamberlain's Warriors in a match called "The Big Collision" where Chamberlain outscored Russell, but the Celtics won the game.
1959: Start of Eight Consecutive Championships
From 1959 to 1966, with Bill Russell as a key player, the Boston Celtics won an NBA record eight consecutive championships.
1959: First NBA player to visit Africa
In 1959, Bill Russell became the first NBA player to visit Africa, marking a significant moment in the sport's international outreach.
1959: Russell sets NBA Finals record for highest rebound per game average
In 1959, Bill Russell set the NBA Finals record for the highest rebound per game average at 29.5.
1959: NBA MVP Award
In 1959, Russell won his first NBA MVP award, making it one of his five MVP awards in his career.
February 5, 1960: 51 Rebounds in a Game
On February 5, 1960, Russell had 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 at the time.
March 29, 1960: Russell sets NBA Finals single-game rebound record
On March 29, 1960, Bill Russell recorded 40 rebounds against St. Louis, tying what was at the time the NBA Finals single-game record for most rebounds.
April 9, 1960: Russell starts streak of 15 consecutive games with 20+ rebounds
Starting April 9, 1960, Bill Russell began a streak of 15 consecutive games with 20 or more rebounds, which lasted until April 16, 1963.
November 24, 1960: Chamberlain Breaks Rebound Record
On November 24, 1960, Wilt Chamberlain grabbed 55 rebounds against Russell, who led the Celtics to victory over the Philadelphia Warriors.
1960: All-NBA Second Team selection
In 1960, Russell was selected for the All-NBA Second Team, recognizing his achievements during the season.
1960: Regular Season Record
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: NBA MVP Award
In 1961, Russell won his second NBA MVP award, adding to his list of accolades.
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 record for most rebounds with 40 and most rebounds in a quarter with 19 against Los Angeles.
1962: Ted Kennedy Campaign
In 1962, Cousy campaigned for Ted Kennedy, whilst Auerbach had informed his players to not endorse candidates or causes, as it would alienate fans.
1962: MVP Award and Finals Berth
In 1962, despite Wilt Chamberlain's record-breaking season, Russell was voted as the league's MVP, and the Celtics became the first team to win 60 games in a season, reaching the NBA Finals.
1962: NBA Finals Clutch Performance
In the 1962 NBA Finals, Russell recorded his first career triple-double in Game 6 and had a clutch performance in Game 7, scoring 30 points and grabbing 40 rebounds to lead the Celtics to victory.
January 31, 1963: Win against Cincinnati Royals
On January 31, 1963, Russell had an 18-point, 22-rebound performance in a 128–125 win against the Cincinnati Royals.
February 10, 1963: First Regular Season Triple-Double
On February 10, 1963, Russell recorded his first regular season triple-double with 17 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win against the New York Knicks.
April 16, 1963: Russell ends streak of 15 consecutive games with 20+ rebounds
On April 16, 1963, Bill Russell's streak of 15 consecutive games with 20 or more rebounds ended.
1963: Russell praises George Powles
In 1963, Bill Russell stated in a Sports Illustrated article that George Powles was the finest person he had ever met and that he owed him a great deal.
1963: NBA MVP Award
In 1963, Russell won his third NBA MVP award, adding to his list of accolades.
1964: All-NBA Second Team selection
In 1964, Russell was selected for the All-NBA Second Team, recognizing his achievements during the season.
1964: Regular Season
In the 1964-65 NBA season, the Celtics won a league-record 62 games with Russell averaging 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 Against Pistons
On March 11, 1965, Russell grabbed 49 rebounds in a 112–100 win over the Detroit Pistons, tying for the third-most in a single game in NBA history.
1965: NBA MVP and All-NBA First Team selections
In 1965, Russell was awarded his fifth NBA MVP award. He was also selected for the All-NBA First Team that same year.
1965: NBA Playoffs
In the 1965 NBA playoffs, Russell held Chamberlain to a pair of field goals in the first three quarters of Game 3 and had a strong performance in Game 5. The Celtics won the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers.
April 16, 1966: Russell Agrees to Coach Celtics
On April 16, 1966, Bill Russell agreed to become the head coach of the Boston Celtics. Two days later, this was publicly announced, making Russell the first black head coach in NBA history.
1966: Player-Coach for the Celtics
In 1966, Bill Russell became the player-coach for the Boston Celtics, marking a significant milestone as the first black NBA coach.
1966: Shoe Designed by Bristol Manufacturing Corporation
In 1966, Bill Russell had a shoe designed by Bristol Manufacturing Corporation, called the 'Bill Russell Professional Basketball Shoe'.
1966: Russell becomes Celtics head coach
In 1966, Bill Russell was promoted to head coach of the Celtics, becoming the first African American head coach in a major league sport. He emphasized respect for ability over racial prejudice. Russell's negative experiences with racial bigotry led to a strained relationship with fans and journalists.
1966: All-NBA Second Team selection
In 1966, Russell was selected for the All-NBA Second Team, recognizing his achievements during the season.
1966: New York Times describes Russell's characteristics
In 1966, The New York Times wrote about Russell's key characteristics, highlighting his pride, intelligence, humor, and commitment to his personal truths.
1966: Eighth Consecutive Title
In 1966, the Celtics won their eighth consecutive title, with Russell scoring 25 points and grabbing 32 rebounds in the decisive Game 7 against the Los Angeles Lakers.
1967: Russell Participates in Cleveland Summit
In 1967, Bill Russell participated in the Cleveland Summit, along with other African-American athletes and a political leader, to support Muhammad Ali's decision to refuse being drafted.
1967: Dunk Shot Banned Due to Lew Alcindor
In 1967, the dunk shot was banned due to Lew Alcindor, though the rule was later repealed.
1968: Dorothy Anstett Miss USA
In 1968, Dorothy Anstett was Miss USA. In 1977, she would marry Bill Russell.
1968: Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year
In 1968, Russell was named "Sportsman of the Year" by Sports Illustrated for his achievements both on and off the court.
1969: Rift with Wilt Chamberlain
After Game 7 of the 1969 NBA Finals, Bill Russell's friendship with Wilt Chamberlain ended because Chamberlain was forced to leave the game with an injury. Russell was then heard describing Chamberlain as a malingerer and accused him of "copping out" of the game when it seemed that the Lakers would lose. Chamberlain considered Russell a backstabber after this incident.
1969: Russell Retires and Cuts Ties with Celtics
In 1969, Bill Russell abruptly retired from the Celtics and cut all ties with the team, surprising Red Auerbach. Russell then sold his retirement story to Sports Illustrated for $10,000, leading to accusations of selling out the franchise's future.
1969: End of NBA Career
In 1969, Bill Russell concluded his 13-year NBA career with the Boston Celtics.
1969: Final NBA Championship and Retirement
In 1969, Bill Russell helped the Boston Celtics win another NBA championship before ending his playing career and leaving his position as coach.
1969: NBA All-Defensive First Team selection
In 1969, Russell was elected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team during his last season, which was the first year the NBA All-Defensive Teams were selected.
1969: Celtics Win NBA Finals Against Lakers
In the 1969 NBA Finals, the Celtics won against the Los Angeles Lakers. Lakers owner Jack Kent Cooke angered and motivated the Celtics by putting "proceedings of Lakers victory ceremony" on the game leaflets. Bill Russell used a copy as extra motivation and told his team to play a running game.
1970: Named to NBA 25th Anniversary Team
In 1970, Russell was named to the NBA 25th Anniversary Team, honoring his contributions to the league's first quarter-century.
1970: The Sporting News Athlete of the Decade
In 1970, The Sporting News named Russell the "Athlete of the Decade" for his outstanding achievements.
1971: Russell joins NBA on ABC
In 1971, Bill Russell joined NBA on ABC to provide commentary on the Game of the Week.
1971: Selection into NBA 25th Anniversary Team
In 1971, Bill Russell was selected into the NBA 25th Anniversary Team.
March 12, 1972: Celtics retire Russell's jersey
On March 12, 1972, the Boston Celtics retired Bill Russell's No. 6 jersey.
1972: Russell refuses jersey retirement ceremony
In 1972, Bill Russell refused to attend the ceremony for the retirement of his jersey No. 6, reflecting his strained relationship with Boston at the time.
1973: Blocks and Steals Recorded
Blocks and steals became officially recorded statistics in the 1973-74 NBA season.
1973: Divorce from Rose Swisher
In 1973, Bill Russell and Rose Swisher divorced due to growing emotional distance.
1973: Head Coach and General Manager of the Seattle SuperSonics
In 1973, Bill Russell became the head coach and general manager of the Seattle SuperSonics.
1973: Russell coaches the Seattle SuperSonics
In 1973, Bill Russell began his tenure as head coach of the Seattle SuperSonics.
1975: Russell refuses Hall of Fame induction ceremony
In 1975, Bill Russell refused to attend his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, highlighting his long-held negative feelings towards Boston.
1975: Induction into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
In 1975, Bill Russell was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
1975: Russell inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
In 1975, Bill Russell was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He did not attend the ceremony.
1977: Russell leaves SuperSonics
In 1977, Bill Russell left the Seattle SuperSonics, concluding his time as their head coach.
1977: End of Tenure with Seattle SuperSonics
In 1977, Bill Russell's tenure as head coach and general manager of the Seattle SuperSonics concluded.
1977: Marriage to Dorothy Anstett
In 1977, Russell married Dorothy Anstett, who was Miss USA of 1968.
1978: All High Jump Records are set after Fosbury Flop was introduced
After 1978, all high jump world records were set with the Fosbury Flop was introduced.
November 3, 1979: Russell hosts Saturday Night Live
On November 3, 1979, Bill Russell hosted Saturday Night Live and appeared in several sports-related sketches.
1979: MVP Award Voting System
The player's MVP voting system, which started around 1957, lasted until the 1979-80 NBA season, while the media always voted for the All-NBA teams.
1980: Selection into NBA 35th Anniversary Team
In 1980, Bill Russell was selected into the NBA 35th Anniversary Team.
1980: Divorce from Dorothy Anstett
In 1980, Russell and Dorothy Anstett divorced.
1980: Declared Greatest Player in NBA History
In 1980, Russell was declared "Greatest Player in the History of the NBA" by the Professional Basketball Writers Association of America.
1985: Russell tutors Benoit Benjamin
In 1985, Bill Russell tutored Benoit Benjamin, a draft pick for the Los Angeles Clippers, at the request of Don Chaney.
March 7, 1986: Russell appears in Miami Vice
On March 7, 1986, Bill Russell played Judge Roger Ferguson in "The Fix" episode of Miami Vice.
1987: Coaching the Sacramento Kings
In 1987, Bill Russell began coaching the Sacramento Kings.
1987: Russell coaches Sacramento Kings
In 1987, Bill Russell began his stint as head coach of the Sacramento Kings.
1988: End of Coaching Career with Sacramento Kings
In 1988, Bill Russell's coaching career with the Sacramento Kings came to an end.
1988: Russell leaves Sacramento Kings
In 1988, Bill Russell's time as head coach of the Sacramento Kings ended after a 17-41 start to the season.
1995: Celtics move to FleetCenter
In 1995, the Celtics moved from the Boston Garden to the FleetCenter (now known as TD Garden).
1996: Named One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History
In 1996, Bill Russell was named as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.
1996: Marriage to Marilyn Nault
In 1996, Russell married Marilyn Nault, marking his third marriage.
1996: Named to NBA 50th Anniversary Team
In 1996, Russell was named to the NBA 50th Anniversary Team, further cementing his place in basketball history.
May 6, 1999: Celtics re-retire Russell's jersey
On May 6, 1999, the Celtics re-retired Bill Russell's jersey in a ceremony at the FleetCenter, attended by Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Russell received a standing ovation and expressed gratitude.
October 1999: Russell returns to prominence after Chamberlain's death
Following Wilt Chamberlain's death in October 1999, Bill Russell returned to prominence after living as a recluse.
1999: Ranked on ESPN's 50 Greatest Athletes list
In 1999, Russell ranked No. 18 on ESPN's "50 Greatest Athletes of the 20th Century" list, recognizing his broad athletic achievements.
2000: Tom Heinsohn comments on Russell's Stature
In 2000, Tom Heinsohn commented on Russell's uneasy relationship with Boston by saying "Look, all I know is the guy ... came to Boston and won 11 championships in 13 years, and they named a bleeping tunnel after Ted Williams."
2001: Russell publishes 'Russell Rules'
In 2001, Bill Russell and David Falkner published 'Russell Rules: 11 Lessons on Leadership from the Twentieth Century's Greatest Winner'.
January 2006: Russell mediates Shaq-Kobe feud
In January 2006, Bill Russell convinced Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant to end their feud.
2006: Induction into National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame
In 2006, Bill Russell was one of the founding inductees into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.
May 20, 2007: Russell awarded honorary doctorate from Suffolk University
On May 20, 2007, Bill Russell received an honorary doctorate from Suffolk University and served as its commencement speaker.
June 7, 2007: Russell receives honorary degree from Harvard University
On June 7, 2007, Bill Russell was awarded an honorary degree from Harvard University.
June 18, 2007: Russell inducted into FIBA Hall of Fame
On June 18, 2007, Bill Russell was inducted as a member of the founding class of the FIBA Hall of Fame.
2007: Enshrinement in FIBA Hall of Fame
In 2007, Bill Russell was enshrined in the FIBA Hall of Fame.
2007: Voted third best center of all time by ESPN
In 2007, ESPN ranked Russell as the third best center of all time, behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain.
December 2008: Russell receives We Are Boston Leadership Award
In December 2008, Bill Russell was presented with the We Are Boston Leadership Award.
2008: Russell receives Golden Plate Award
In 2008, Bill Russell received the Golden Plate Award of the Academy of Achievement.
January 2009: Death of Marilyn Nault
In January 2009, Marilyn Nault, Bill Russell's third wife, passed away.
February 14, 2009: NBA Finals MVP Award renamed in Russell's honor
On February 14, 2009, NBA Commissioner David Stern announced that the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award would be renamed the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award to honor Bill Russell.
June 14, 2009: Russell receives honorary degree from Dartmouth College
On June 14, 2009, Bill Russell received an honorary degree from Dartmouth College.
2009: Bill Bradley praises Russell in The New York Times Book Review
In 2009, Bill Bradley, a former opponent of Russell's from the New York Knicks, wrote in The New York Times Book Review that Russell was "the smartest player ever to play the game [of basketball]".
2009: Russell writes about his grandfather's motto
In 2009, Russell wrote about his paternal grandfather's motto, "A man has to draw a line inside himself that he won't allow any man to cross.", which had a profound impact on his life.
2009: Named third best player of all-time by Slam
In 2009, Slam magazine named Russell the third best player of all time, behind Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain.
2009: NBA Finals MVP Award Renamed in His Honor
In 2009, the NBA renamed the NBA Finals MVP Award in honor of Bill Russell.
2010: Russell recalls Celtics' racial progress
In 2010, Bill Russell recalled the Boston Celtics organization's racial progress, highlighting objective milestones and his personal experiences as a member during the 1950s and 1960s.
2010: Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2010, Russell was named as a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States.
2011: Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2011, Barack Obama awarded Bill Russell the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his accomplishments in basketball and civil rights.
2011: Russell receives Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2011, Bill Russell was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
October 16, 2013: Russell arrested for bringing handgun to airport
On October 16, 2013, Russell was arrested for bringing his registered, loaded .38-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun to the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport. He was issued a citation and released.
November 1, 2013: Unveiling of Bill Russell statue in Boston
On November 1, 2013, Boston honored Russell by unveiling a statue of him on City Hall Plaza. The statue depicts him in-game, surrounded by 11 plinths representing his 11 championships.
2015: Statues of children added to Russell statue display
During the spring of 2015, two statues of children were added to the Bill Russell statue display, honoring his commitment to working with children.
June 15, 2017: Inaugural Recipient of the NBA Lifetime Achievement Award
On June 15, 2017, Russell was announced as the inaugural recipient of the NBA Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring his career-long contributions to basketball.
September 26, 2017: Russell takes a knee in solidarity
On September 26, 2017, Bill Russell posted a photograph of himself taking the knee in solidarity with the U.S. national anthem kneeling protests against social injustice, wearing his Presidential Medal of Freedom.
November 15, 2019: Russell accepts Hall of Fame ring
On November 15, 2019, Bill Russell accepted his Hall of Fame ring in a private ceremony with his family.
August 2, 2020: West Coast Conference announces the Russell Rule
On August 2, 2020, the West Coast Conference (WCC) announced the Russell Rule, a conference-wide diversity hiring commitment named after Russell, mandating the inclusion of a member of a traditionally underrepresented community in the final candidate pool for various athletic department positions.
2020: Ranked No. 4 in ESPN's list of top NBA players
In 2020, Russell was ranked No. 4 in ESPN's list of the top 74 NBA players of all time, the second-best center behind Abdul-Jabbar.
October 2021: Honored as one of the league's 75 greatest players
In October 2021, Russell was honored as one of the league's 75 greatest players of all time, recognizing his significant impact on the NBA.
2021: Russell attends Hall of Fame induction as a coach
In 2021, Bill Russell attended his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach.
2021: Selection to NBA 75th Anniversary Team and Second Hall of Fame Induction
In 2021, Bill Russell was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team and inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for a second time in recognition of his coaching career.
2021: Named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In 2021, Russell was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, a testament to his enduring impact on the sport.
July 31, 2022: Death of Bill Russell
On July 31, 2022, Bill Russell passed away. He was a prominent figure in basketball history.
August 11, 2022: NBA to retire Bill Russell's No. 6 jersey league-wide
On August 11, 2022, the NBA announced that Russell's No. 6 jersey would be retired throughout the National Basketball Association, marking the first time a jersey had been retired league-wide in NBA history.
2022: Ranked in ESPN's and The Athletic's NBA 75th Anniversary Team lists
In 2022, Russell was ranked No. 6 in ESPN's NBA 75th Anniversary Team list and No. 4 in a similar list by The Athletic.
2022: NBA Retires Russell's #6 Jersey League-Wide
Shortly after his death in 2022, the NBA retired Bill Russell's #6 jersey league-wide, an unprecedented honor in NBA history.
October 2024: City of Boston to rename bridge in honor of Russell
In October 2024, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and other officials announced that the city would rename the new North Washington Street Bridge, located near TD Garden, in honor of Russell. At the time of the renaming, the "William Felton 'Bill' Russell Bridge" was under construction.
2024: Russell leads Celtics in career rebounds
As of 2024, Bill Russell is the leader for most career rebounds, most minutes per game (42.3), and most rebounds per game in Celtics franchise history.
Mentioned in this timeline
Basketball is a team sport played on a rectangular court...
Michael Jordan or MJ is an American businessman and retired...
Kobe Bryant a celebrated shooting guard played his entire -year...
Barack Obama the th U S President - was the...
Martin Luther King Jr was a pivotal leader in the...
Shaquille O'Neal nicknamed Diesel is a retired American professional basketball...
Trending
42 minutes ago Georgia Wildfires Rage: Hundreds Of Homes Threatened, Forcing Evacuations In Brantley County
42 minutes ago Aaron Gordon's Game 3 Status Uncertain Due to Injury Against Timberwolves.
43 minutes ago Cowboys' Draft: 7-Round Mock, Picks Analysis, and 2026 Draft Buzz with Clinton.
43 minutes ago Severe storms threaten Kansas City metro area with tornado watch issued.
2 hours ago Notre Dame Spring Game Highlights Carr's Development and Freeman's Team Dynamics
2 hours ago Student Loan Borrowers Face Repayment Changes; Private Lender Steps In Amid Debt Concerns.
Popular
William Franklin Graham III known as Franklin Graham is an...
Paula White-Cain is a prominent American televangelist and key figure...
Lindsey Graham is an American politician and attorney who has...
Kashyap Pramod Patel known as Kash Patel is an American...
Michael Joseph Jackson the King of Pop was a highly...
Xavier Becerra is an American attorney and politician He served...