Came here in the comment section to pay my respects. This legend will surely be missed. A pure champion at heart and courageous to face what he had to face during his time
RIP to the legend. You will NOT be forgotten. I have tremendous respect for Bill Russell. He was unbeatable as a player, but more so immortal in character.
After listening to this for 30 minutes I feel like I can listen to another 30 hours of Bill Russell stories right now. There's never enough stories that can be told about the legacy of Bill Russell
that moment at 5:45 when the great bill russell says "seeing as you play the game as you do...if you never win another ring...i'll share one of my rings with you". You know as much as a basketball junkie KG is, that moment gave him goosebumps looking in the eyes of the man who battled Wilt saying he'll share his armor with you because he sees you as a worthy peer now. That's deep
I met Bill Russell 3 times. As a teenager I caddied in his foursome after they had played an exhibition game the night before in Bangor ME. The second time I was in the Army at Ft Carson Co. He had changed his travel routine to come down to Carson and talk to the GI's. The stories he told were amazing. The third time was at the Garden in Boston. He was always my favorite player because of his style and the way he handled situations. My friends ask me If I got his autograph? Itell them NO, but I got to shake his hand 3 times. An awesome person. Basketball was just something he did.
11 TIME NBA CHAMPION 🏆 .. INCLUDING 8 STRAIGHT(2 AS A PLAYER-COACH) .. 5 TIME NBA MVP .. 2 NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP 🏆(INCLUDING 55 STRAIGHT WINS) .. AN OLYMPIC GOLD 🏅 .. IN GAMES WHERE HIS STATS ARE RECORDED .. AVERAGED 8.1 BLKS .. HE'S THE NBA'S UNDISPUTED 🐐 ..
I would always pick Bill Russell and start my franchise with him. The guy can literally defend the whole starting 5 of the opposing team. If he can save your team 30-40 points a game by stealing, blocking or distorting shots then you Are sure to win 80 pct of the time
I was a big Wilt fan as a kid, used to hate that the Celtics were so unbeatable. Even in 1969, the year it looked like the Lakers would surely win it. But I was a kid...didn't realize until (much) later just how great Russell was as a player, and equally if not moreso as a leader, and a man. He pretty much wrote the book on winning team basketball. But even with all the other tremendous things...the thing that I only started to understand in 2008 when he was visibly mentor-father figure to KG, was how much he cares about people. Didn't see any of the several younger generations as rivals for glory or legacy, but as young men he might be able to help, so they can be their best, and not only as players but as men. Just hearing their stories has only raised my already tremendous admiration for Mr. Russell to yet another level.
The story Isiah told about Mr. Russell calling him after "Bird stole the ball"...I guess they were only slightly acquainted, so Bill was going above and beyond because of his huge heart for a young man and the agony he was in, and because he knew it was a big moment in the young man's life...stand up and overcome, or maybe never get past that mistake/failure on the biggest stage and let that define you. I think the list of young guys he became that kind of father figure/mentor to is pretty long...and they, and the guys they in turn mentor, and the game are all so much the better. As are we all, who hear the stories, and know that there was a man named Bill Russell who raised the standard in his sport, for sure, but also, even moreso, for what a man can be.
Bill Russell, wasn't judgemental he invariably did the right thing on the basketball court, just like he did in the real world outside basketball! He wasn't perfect but 11 out of 13 titles tells you he was special and the Boston celtics had a legendary era!
Never saw him play, but my favorite player ever. One of top 5 players of all time. Sacrificed his offensive talent for the team (Dennis Johnson did the same, decades later). Civil Rights a plus. I believe I am typical New Englander.
I was 14 years old when I read Bill Russell’s book, ‘Go Up For Glory’. It had a very profound effect on my life. This book was more than about Basketball, it was about Life, Growing Up and Being a MAN. Bill Russell was a Man. The most competitive man I’ve ever heard of.
I know we talk about Steph as being the most unselfish leader, but may we never forget Bill Russell again. The most intelligent player the game has ever seen even until this day.
Got this stat from the channel ESPN Throwback, and wanted to share it here because I think it puts into perspective how great of a basketball player Bill Russell really was: “Bill Russell is the only player in NBA history to play in at least 10 Game 7’s, and not lose a single one. Russell amassed 293 rebounds in Game 7’s (29.3 RPG), most all-time…that’s 50 MORE rebounds than his rival Wilt Chamberlain, who played in only 1 less Game 7.” Such a great player, and such a great man. His legacy will last forever. R.I.P Mr. 11 rings.
The idea that the game in the 60's was inferior to today's game is ridiculous. They had no 3 point shot yet averaged more points. There was no such thing as a watered down league then. With only 8 teams you had to play each other over and over again. You knew every player's weaknesses and strengths. And Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain played against each other 143 times during that period of time. They averaged 13 games against each other every year. That's the best against the best 13 times a year for 11 years straight. In today's watered down league of 30 teams there is nothing even remotely like that at all. RIP to both Bill and Wilt. The two greatest centers of all time.
What a video .. a genuine human being .. Love Bill Russell .. What a privilege for KG to have Bill there ... life changing ... so grateful for folks like Bill ... makes the world a better place to live in ..
"Hated" the Celtics and their racist fans and environs around Boston, but absolutely revered Bill Russell despite him beating my Lakers 7 times--once in Minneapolis and six times in Los Angeles.
Just think about his life. He is the greatest winner in all of sports history, but that isn't even the thing that most defines his life. 11 rings is nothing compared to the other accomplishments he had in life. RIP to one of the greatest men in NBA history.
I would not say he is the goat, but he should be in the conversation. People forget great players like him when it comes to the goat debate. He is in my top 4 behind Wilt, Kobe and Michael.
The goat bill Russell with the bulletin board material before game 7 in La is why he is the goat period . Great man on the court even greater man off the court legend in everyone eyes
William Felton Russell was a man. The best kinda man. I'm going to say this & I mean it.... I would of trusted Bill Russell to write up a new code of ethics for all people to live by. Even after everything this man went thru , I would trust him to write it up for ALL people...not just his or my people...ALL people....cuz we are ALL people. Bill Russell's importance to this planet has nothing to do with Boston or the NBA! Bill was not greedy & never asked for more than that which was fair. But what was fair... He insisted upon. A great man!
Not only an outstanding athlete and competitor but an outstanding human being. He's someone we should all look up to, and see as a role model. Loved the video, it's a beautiful testament to a wonderful human being great job. My most heartfelt condolences to Bills' family and loved ones in this time of loss. He will be remembered with love and adoration by all who know what he has given to our world. R.I.P. G.O.A.T.
Thank You @ creator Nick Smith amazing tribute and your time and effort on how you make this videos … I FEEL LIKE! YOU SHOULD BE WORKING FOR NETFLIX DOCUMENTARIES
Greatest winner in pro sports history. More rings than fingers and was THE MAN on every single championship team in his career. Phenomenal athlete who never seems to get his his due respect in the modern rankings of best ever players. He was even player/coach and won championships.
3 months old and 2 likes. Ppl are fckn stupid. Your favorite aint the goat. Hes just your favorite. No shame in claiming that. You ain't #1 you just another one.
26:09 *Video Best Moment*: "...most profound statement (Kenny Smith)... one of the smartest things I've ever heard a basketball player say (Charles Barkley)" 05:25 Runner-up: Bill encouraging KG--a powerful moment
THIS solidifies my KG pick for my all-time starting 5: PG: Steph SG: MJ SF: Lebron PF: KG C: Hakeem/ Ewing/ Shaq/ Russell (Doesn't really matter which center; this whole squad dominates in any era)
Came here in the comment section to pay my respects. This legend will surely be missed. A pure champion at heart and courageous to face what he had to face during his time
Well said ^ ^
RIP to the legend. You will NOT be forgotten. I have tremendous respect for Bill Russell. He was unbeatable as a player, but more so immortal in character.
Agreed!
The greatest winner but most importantly a treasure of a human being
After listening to this for 30 minutes I feel like I can listen to another 30 hours of Bill Russell stories right now. There's never enough stories that can be told about the legacy of Bill Russell
that moment at 5:45 when the great bill russell says "seeing as you play the game as you do...if you never win another ring...i'll share one of my rings with you". You know as much as a basketball junkie KG is, that moment gave him goosebumps looking in the eyes of the man who battled Wilt saying he'll share his armor with you because he sees you as a worthy peer now. That's deep
I met Bill Russell 3 times. As a teenager I caddied in his foursome after they had played an exhibition game the night before in Bangor ME. The second time I was in the Army at Ft Carson Co. He had changed his travel routine to come down to Carson and talk to the GI's. The stories he told were amazing. The third time was at the Garden in Boston. He was always my favorite player because of his style and the way he handled situations. My friends ask me If I got his autograph? Itell them NO, but I got to shake his hand 3 times. An awesome person. Basketball was just something he did.
“Give me a ticket or a lecture you can’t do both”😂😂 I’m stealing that one.
11 TIME NBA CHAMPION 🏆 .. INCLUDING 8 STRAIGHT(2 AS A PLAYER-COACH) .. 5 TIME NBA MVP .. 2 NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP 🏆(INCLUDING 55 STRAIGHT WINS) .. AN OLYMPIC GOLD 🏅 .. IN GAMES WHERE HIS STATS ARE RECORDED .. AVERAGED 8.1 BLKS .. HE'S THE NBA'S UNDISPUTED 🐐 ..
The winningest player of all time
The GOAT! RIP
& had to go thru Wilt to do it too.
Green Bay*s coach Vince Lombardi said it best: "Winning isn*t everything. It*s the only thing!" 'Nuff said.
I would always pick Bill Russell and start my franchise with him. The guy can literally defend the whole starting 5 of the opposing team. If he can save your team 30-40 points a game by stealing, blocking or distorting shots then you Are sure to win 80 pct of the time
Definitely start with him, like Elgin Baylor said. I'd add Elgin Baylor and Wilt Chamberlain.
A person who lives a life of honor is worthy to be honored! We appreciate you Bill!
Well said.
I was a big Wilt fan as a kid, used to hate that the Celtics were so unbeatable. Even in 1969, the year it looked like the Lakers would surely win it. But I was a kid...didn't realize until (much) later just how great Russell was as a player, and equally if not moreso as a leader, and a man. He pretty much wrote the book on winning team basketball. But even with all the other tremendous things...the thing that I only started to understand in 2008 when he was visibly mentor-father figure to KG, was how much he cares about people. Didn't see any of the several younger generations as rivals for glory or legacy, but as young men he might be able to help, so they can be their best, and not only as players but as men. Just hearing their stories has only raised my already tremendous admiration for Mr. Russell to yet another level.
The story Isiah told about Mr. Russell calling him after "Bird stole the ball"...I guess they were only slightly acquainted, so Bill was going above and beyond because of his huge heart for a young man and the agony he was in, and because he knew it was a big moment in the young man's life...stand up and overcome, or maybe never get past that mistake/failure on the biggest stage and let that define you. I think the list of young guys he became that kind of father figure/mentor to is pretty long...and they, and the guys they in turn mentor, and the game are all so much the better. As are we all, who hear the stories, and know that there was a man named Bill Russell who raised the standard in his sport, for sure, but also, even moreso, for what a man can be.
A freaking legend man you will never be forgotten the great Bill Russell
Love seeing WILT! & RUSS! laffing & sharing stories together.
Bill Russell, wasn't judgemental he invariably did the right thing on the basketball court, just like he did in the real world outside basketball! He wasn't perfect but 11 out of 13 titles tells you he was special and the Boston celtics had a legendary era!
11/13 is not bad.
An (8)eightpeat in the middle
Right thing off the court
U mean blindly supporting the democratic party and being a liberal
This is just amazing, which is really perfect for him. he was indeed a Legend! RIP Bill Russell, we will miss you.
🙏
Never saw him play, but my favorite player ever. One of top 5 players of all time. Sacrificed his offensive talent for the team (Dennis Johnson did the same, decades later). Civil Rights a plus. I believe I am typical New Englander.
I was 14 years old when I read Bill Russell’s book, ‘Go Up For Glory’.
It had a very profound effect on my life.
This book was more than about Basketball, it was about Life, Growing Up and Being a MAN.
Bill Russell was a Man.
The most competitive man I’ve ever heard of.
I know we talk about Steph as being the most unselfish leader, but may we never forget Bill Russell again. The most intelligent player the game has ever seen even until this day.
Only Bird was his equal so that's lofty company.
@@BD-uw1kq agreed. Bird is on the same tier as Russel along with Steph Curry and Jordan maybe LeBron but that’s it. Then we start a new tier.
@@castrokobe24In terms of being an unselfish leader idk how you didn’t name Tim Duncan. Kept taking plebeians to the finals and being humble.
For Wilt Chamberlain to get 55 rebounds against Bill Russell, Wilt had to be pretty smart.
@@BD-uw1kq ...Larry is not Bill's equal, PERIOD!!!
R.I.P to one of the G.O.A.T.S... Listening to Him reminds Me of My Grandfather...So Much knowledge and So well spoken 👏 Great Video.
Bill Russell was not only a magnificent basketball player, he was a magnificent person. His passing was somehow intimately saddening.
Thanks for making this Nick
Thanks Skyler
Thanks for compiling and showing more context on this great man's life from the words of the greats. Very moving and powerful.
Bill Russell has more games with 30 rebounds, than Paul peirce has 30 point games!! Let that sink in.☘️
The year after Russell retired (we are talking 1970) Havlichek told him, "I miss you > on offense than defense".
Because the plays go through Russell. Those times they don't have a natural point guard and they rely on him to run the plays on offense.
We’ll miss you Mr. Bill Russell
Thank you Nick Smith - that was a tasteful way to honor our hero!
Thank you!
@@NickSmithNBA this is awesome what you did here,now I'm not a Boston fan and never will be but I totally respect them...
Folks better not forget. Keep the respect on his name forever.
The GOAT OF TEAM SPORTS!!!!!
Got this stat from the channel ESPN Throwback, and wanted to share it here because I think it puts into perspective how great of a basketball player Bill Russell really was:
“Bill Russell is the only player in NBA history to play in at least 10 Game 7’s, and not lose a single one. Russell amassed 293 rebounds in Game 7’s (29.3 RPG), most all-time…that’s 50 MORE rebounds than his rival Wilt Chamberlain, who played in only 1 less Game 7.”
Such a great player, and such a great man. His legacy will last forever. R.I.P Mr. 11 rings.
Thanks for sharing those great stats.
He had a 30 point 40 rebound game 7 in the 1962 Finals
@@jjx4012 Yeah I’ve heard about that game. Decent stat line 😂
@@jjx4012 The true GOAT.
Bill Russell: a model of character and sportsmanship. Thankyou for putting these together.
RIP!
Congratulation Nick, you did an amazing Job. You created TH-cam History. Thank so much. Greets from Germany
The idea that the game in the 60's was inferior to today's game is ridiculous. They had no 3 point shot yet averaged more points. There was no such thing as a watered down league then. With only 8 teams you had to play each other over and over again. You knew every player's weaknesses and strengths. And Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain played against each other 143 times during that period of time. They averaged 13 games against each other every year. That's the best against the best 13 times a year for 11 years straight. In today's watered down league of 30 teams there is nothing even remotely like that at all. RIP to both Bill and Wilt. The two greatest centers of all time.
What a video .. a genuine human being .. Love Bill Russell .. What a privilege for KG to have Bill there ... life changing ... so grateful for folks like Bill ... makes the world a better place to live in ..
"I will kick your asses" this line will remind me of Bill Russell forever :)
Bill Russell was a MAN. Great sense of humor, intense competitor, civil rights activists, on and on.... a MAN amongst men.
Awesome compilation of videos and stories. Great work, Nick Smith!
And, may the great Bill Russell RIP. We'll miss you, sir!
Thank you kindly! Well said.
Best big man of all time, rest in peace legend
Rest in Paradise to the greatest NBA winner the legend icon Bill Russell salute!!!!!
Bill Russell was the man. A real man
This video was so well done
Thank you!
Great piece keep up the good work. Subscribed
Rest in Power to an Icon.
"Hated" the Celtics and their racist fans and environs around Boston, but absolutely revered Bill Russell despite him beating my Lakers 7 times--once in Minneapolis and six times in Los Angeles.
Love this
Appreciate it
Bro your videos are the most insightful and dope. Keep it up man‼️💪🏾
Thank you so much🤎✌🏽👊🏾
No problem 🙏
Greatest of all time. Period.
One of the best videos I have ever seen and most touching and relevant!
Thanks so much!
Just think about his life. He is the greatest winner in all of sports history, but that isn't even the thing that most defines his life. 11 rings is nothing compared to the other accomplishments he had in life. RIP to one of the greatest men in NBA history.
Excellent!
Rest well Goat! You genuinely deserve it sir.
People are constantly comparing MJ, Kobe, Bron but this guy is the true 🐐. On and off the court. He'll be missed dearly.
I would not say he is the goat, but he should be in the conversation. People forget great players like him when it comes to the goat debate. He is in my top 4 behind Wilt, Kobe and Michael.
@@Lrgend988 ...False!
@@brucescott4261 there is nothing „false“ with what I said you kiddo
@@Lrgend988 ...Think again, Shorty!
@@brucescott4261 You should think again, weirdo
When Russelll was asked why he always wore a black suit when entering the opponent's arena before a. game, he said he was going to a funeral. Lol
We need a movie or show about bill russell RIP to greatest winner in sports history 🙏
The guy was like a Dennis Rodman on D but that could score when he wanted but with leadership skills like Magic and Pippen. He was unreal!
Don't EVER mention Bill Russell and Denis Rodman in the same sentence.
@@steverenom.299 ...I second emotion!
@@brucescott4261 Glad that you are with me on this. Can't let them get away with something like that!! Lol.
Bill won a National Championship, Olympic Gold Medal and a NBA Championship in 16 months.
We didn’t deserve to have this man for 88 years… we were lucky to R.I.P Big 6
Great compilation
Many thanks!
Bill Russell and KG is the greatest thing ever
My favorite NBA player of all time. RIP Bill Russell.
I real man.
"They can't beat us" Bill Russell.
The goat bill Russell with the bulletin board material before game 7 in La is why he is the goat period . Great man on the court even greater man off the court legend in everyone eyes
William Felton Russell was a man. The best kinda man. I'm going to say this & I mean it.... I would of trusted Bill Russell to write up a new code of ethics for all people to live by. Even after everything this man went thru , I would trust him to write it up for ALL people...not just his or my people...ALL people....cuz we are ALL people. Bill Russell's importance to this planet has nothing to do with Boston or the NBA! Bill was not greedy & never asked for more than that which was fair. But what was fair... He insisted upon. A great man!
He was just a basketball player. Code of ethics. NAH
Excellent, defense rebound and out let pass , The BEST.
I met Bill Russell years ago in Vegas. It was brief but I will never forget it. Rest easy Mr. Russell. You'll be forever missed and loved.
Not only an outstanding athlete and competitor but an outstanding human being. He's someone we should all look up to, and see as a role model. Loved the video, it's a beautiful testament to a wonderful human being great job. My most heartfelt condolences to Bills' family and loved ones in this time of loss. He will be remembered with love and adoration by all who know what he has given to our world. R.I.P. G.O.A.T.
one of the greatest
Most definitely
Thank You @ creator Nick Smith amazing tribute and your time and effort on how you make this videos … I FEEL LIKE! YOU SHOULD BE WORKING FOR NETFLIX DOCUMENTARIES
Wow, thank you!
W vid, RIP Bill 🐐
When Bill pass I knew one was coming thank God I'm giving you a like before I look at it because I know its gonna be 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
🙏
I got to watch Bill Russel play as a kid on T.V. he was a great BB player .
I'm not crying,you're crying.
😭😭
Rip...I hope that Wilt was there to Meet you at the gates of Giants 🙏
You think you know, until you findout More. What a Great Athlete and Human Being. My Respect!
BR and WC forever.
Salute #6
The greatest Champion!!!
Love you Bill, KG every American athlete no matter race, creed 💪
RIP Mr Russell x
RIP Legend #6
He just seemed like such a nice human being. I also didn't know about all of his contributions off the court
Greatest Team player of all time. Ultimate dynasty in all of sports.
Bill Russell An American Sports Hero
He lit the fire 🔥 under KG damn
Greatest winner in pro sports history. More rings than fingers and was THE MAN on every single championship team in his career. Phenomenal athlete who never seems to get his his due respect in the modern rankings of best ever players. He was even player/coach and won championships.
The first nba game I seen televised was Philly v Celtics Bill v Wilt and they did noot disappoint
Watching in 2024. Respect!
Forget Lebron and Jordan
This man is the real G.O.A.T
Just sad he had to pass away for people to finally realize it
3 months old and 2 likes. Ppl are fckn stupid. Your favorite aint the goat. Hes just your favorite. No shame in claiming that. You ain't #1 you just another one.
King
THE GREATEST WINNER IN SPORTS EVER! 🐐
some these plays are incredible, the bill russell of dennis rodmans fr
THE GOAT
Smh rip man it's even sadder because this is what kobe was becoming for the game a friend/mentor smh both will be missed
Bill Russell to me is one of the greatest players to play the game period. ijs
Bill Russell. The Ultimate Winner.
RIP
☘️☘️☘️☘️
On and off the court He was the Man ... the smartest player in NBA history ...
26:09 *Video Best Moment*: "...most profound statement (Kenny Smith)... one of the smartest things I've ever heard a basketball player say (Charles Barkley)"
05:25 Runner-up: Bill encouraging KG--a powerful moment
THIS solidifies my KG pick for my all-time starting 5:
PG: Steph
SG: MJ
SF: Lebron
PF: KG
C: Hakeem/ Ewing/ Shaq/ Russell
(Doesn't really matter which center; this whole squad dominates in any era)
There are too many great centers for me to choose, just goes to show height dominates in this game haha
I’ve never heard him laugh like he did with wilt. Man RIP to both of them
You should have more views
Rip to the great bill Russel👍🏻👉🏻👈🏻👌🏻🙏🏻❤️💯💪🏻🏀