NBA legend Bill Russell dies: NBA world in mourning

The NBA world lost a legend when Bill Russell died Sunday at the age of 88.

Bill Russell, the legendary Boston Celtics player and coach, passed away peacefully on Sunday at the age of 88.

Russell is known for being one of the most prolific winners in all of professional sports. As a player and coach, he won 11 NBA championships with the Celtics. He won the NBA MVP award five times and was named to the All-Star Team for 12 consecutive seasons. Russell was also the first black head coach in NBA history.

“Bill’s wife Jeannine and his many friends and family thank you for keeping Bill in your prayers,” the statement said. “You might relive one of two of the golden moments he gave us, or remember his signature laugh as he happily explained the true story behind those moments. And we hope that with Bill’s uncompromising, dignified, and always constructive commitment to principle, each of us can find a new way to act or speak out. That would be a final and lasting win for our beloved #6.”

The NBA world mourns the passing of legend Bill Russell

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement after Russell’s death, calling him “the ultimate warrior and consummate teammate” and “the Babe Ruth of basketball.” You can read Silver’s statement in full below via ESPN’s Marc J. Spears:

Various members of the basketball world mourned Russell’s death on Twitter, including current Celtics players Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

While he was one of basketball legends on the court, he was iconic for his civil rights activism. In 2011, Russell was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama. In 2017, Russell received the NBA’s first Lifetime Achievement Award.

Russell will go down as a champion on and off the court. Our condolences to Russell’s family and friends at this time.