Bill Russell is widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He led the Boston Celtics to eleven NBA championships in thirteen years, including a record eight consecutive championships from 1959 to 1966. Russell was a dominant force on the court, and he was surrounded by some of the best players in the league during his time with the Celtics.

Rookie Champion and Early Years (1956-1958)

Russell was selected by the Boston Celtics with the second pick in the 1956 NBA Draft. He made an immediate impact on the team, helping them win the NBA championship in his rookie season. Russell averaged 19.6 points and 16.8 rebounds per game in the 1957 NBA Finals, and he was named the Finals MVP.

The Celtics returned to the NBA Finals in 1958, but they were defeated by the St. Louis Hawks. Russell was again a dominant force in the playoffs, averaging 25.0 points and 18.8 rebounds per game.

Eight Straight NBA Championships (1958-1966)

The Celtics began their eight-year championship run in 1959. Russell averaged 23.6 points and 24.7 rebounds per game in the 1959 NBA Finals, and he was named the Finals MVP for the second time in his career.

The Celtics continued to dominate the NBA throughout the 1960s. They won the championship in each of the next seven seasons, and Russell was named the Finals MVP five more times.

Player-Coach Champion and Final Seasons (1966-1969)

In 1966, Russell became the player-coach of the Celtics. He led the team to another championship in his first season as coach, and he was named the NBA Coach of the Year.

The Celtics won the championship again in 1968, but they were defeated by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1969 NBA Finals. Russell retired from basketball after the 1969 season.

Teammate

Russell was surrounded by some of the best players in the league during his time with the Celtics. His teammates included:

• Bob Cousy: Cousy was one of the greatest point guards of all time. He was a five-time NBA All-Star and a two-time NBA champion.
• Frank Ramsey: Ramsey was a dominant power forward who was known for his rebounding and defense. He was a two-time NBA All-Star and a two-time NBA champion.
• Sam Jones: Jones was one of the purest shooters in NBA history. He was a ten-time NBA All-Star and a ten-time NBA champion.
• K.C. Jones: Jones was a versatile defender who could play multiple positions. He was an eight-time NBA All-Star and an eight-time NBA champion.
• John Havlicek: Havlicek was one of the most clutch players in NBA history. He was a thirteen-time NBA All-Star and an eight-time NBA champion.

Bill Russell is widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He led the Boston Celtics to eleven NBA championships in thirteen years, including a record eight consecutive championships from 1959 to 1966.

Russell was also a dominant defender. He was a five-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a twelve-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection.

Russell was also a pioneer for civil rights. He was one of the first black athletes to speak out against racism, and he was a role model for many young black athletes.

Bill Russell is a legend of the game of basketball. He is one of the most successful players in NBA history, and he is also one of the most respected players in league history.