Bill Russell's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Bill Russell.

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.

Sections (7)

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

1955: NCAA Championship Win

In 1955, Bill Russell led USF to an NCAA championship and was named NCAA tournament MOP.

1956: Second NCAA Championship Win

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

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: 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.

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: Strong Performance

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

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: 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.

1966: All-NBA Second Team selection

In 1966, Russell was selected for the All-NBA Second Team, recognizing his achievements during the season.

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.

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: 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: 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.

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.

1980: Selection into NBA 35th Anniversary Team

In 1980, Bill Russell was selected into the NBA 35th Anniversary Team.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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: 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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.