Bill Russell is one of the greatest athletes ever appeared in the NBA changing the game on the court while becoming an ambassador and one of the faces of the civil rights movement during the 60s.
There’s almost no way to measure the impact Russell had not just on the sport, but society as a whole, during his career, and he continued that impact throughout his life, paving the way for the next superstars to become more than athletes.
The world reacted as a whole to the devastating news of his death Sunday and here is a small collection of thoughts NBA peers shared in Social media after it was announced Russell passed away peacefully with his family alongside him.
To be the greatest champion in your sport, to revolutionize the way the game is played, and to be a societal leader all at once seems unthinkable, but that is who Bill Russell was. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/K0Ue0hKiLs
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) July 31, 2022
A statement from Hornets Chairman Michael Jordan on the passing of NBA legend Bill Russell. pic.twitter.com/RdYcnuCrmb
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) July 31, 2022
Bill Russell was my idol. I looked up to him on the court and off. His success on the court was undeniable; he was dominate and great, winning 11 NBA championships. Off the court, Bill Russell paved the way for guys like me. pic.twitter.com/ZMIrEx8Tne
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 31, 2022
Steph pays tribute to Bill Russell 💙
[via @StephenCurry30] pic.twitter.com/tKaIq6tPTa
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) July 31, 2022
Rest In Heaven, Mr. 11 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/zOqckOFNVK
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) July 31, 2022
.@SHAQ pays tribute to Bill Russell pic.twitter.com/7Jn5vLe78H
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) July 31, 2022
Charles Barkley's statement regarding the passing of Bill Russell pic.twitter.com/kVwqnBchzO
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) July 31, 2022
A champion who revolutionized the game for all of us. Bill Russell was an inspiration to me in so many ways. May he Rest in Power.
— Carmelo Anthony (@carmeloanthony) July 31, 2022
Thanku for being a trailblazer , pioneer Thanku for setting the bar , for ur kind words of wisdom, Thanku for that great laugh u had . I can go on all day about what u meant to me . Today is a sad day for the NBA family u will be forever missed #6
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) July 31, 2022
R.I.P to the legend Bill Russell. 🤴🏿💫
— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) July 31, 2022
The NBA family just learned this afternoon that Bill Russell, the 11-time champion and Hall of Fame icon of the Boston Celtics, who used that fame to further the civil rights cause in the United States during the turbulent 1960s, has died at the age of 88. He will be missed💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/DA4R70Wjps
— Dikembe Mutombo (@officialmutombo) July 31, 2022
Rest In Peace 🕊thank you for paving the way and inspiring so many Today is a sad day but also great day to celebrate his legacy and what he stood for 💚 pic.twitter.com/kvDaIsjpGG
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 31, 2022
Thank you for everything! R.I.P Legend 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/tn2iGsArav
— Jayson Tatum (@jaytatum0) July 31, 2022
I’m thinking these two met up already today and are having an epic reunion. pic.twitter.com/QKjeDRVJbL
— George Karl (@CoachKarl22) July 31, 2022
So sad to lose a friend broadcasting partner and one of the greatest players in the history of the NBA. RIP Bill Russell @ESPNNBA @NBA @NBAonTNT @NBAOfficial @NBATV @celtics @NBAcom @NBAalumni @TheNBPA
— Rick Barry (@Rick24Barry) July 31, 2022
“My friendship with him was such that it’s almost like I played with him instead of against him,” Jerry West said of the great Bill Russell. “He went through so much and handled it all so quietly. I admired him so much as a human being.”https://t.co/vzkqruG1c6
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) August 1, 2022
