Bill Russell
Awards & Honours
23
Awards Won
8
Honours
4
Rankings
4
Covers
3
Records
Bill Russell's 11 NBA championships are the most by any player in history, a record unlikely to be broken. He was the first Black head coach in modern major professional sports and won two titles in that role. The NBA renamed the Finals MVP award after him, and his #6 jersey was retired league-wide, a rare honor. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011 and was named to every NBA anniversary team from the 25th to the 75th. Russell's impact on defense changed the game forever, and his commitment to civil rights made him a hero off the court.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
Presidential Medal of Freedom
Highest civilian honor in the United States.
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Inducted as a player.
NBA Finals MVP Award renamed
The Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award.
Jersey retirement (league-wide)
#6 retired by all NBA teams.
Jersey retirement (Celtics)
#6 retired by the Celtics.
Jersey retirement (USF)
#6 retired by USF basketball.
Statue
Statue unveiled in Boston.
Key to the City of Boston
Awarded by Mayor Thomas Menino.
Rankings & Lists
Greatest Player in NBA History
NBA 50th Anniversary All-Time Team
NBA 75th Anniversary Team
Sportsman of the Year
Magazine Covers
TIME
1960s
Bill Russell Cover
Sports Illustrated
1960s
Bill Russell Cover
Life
1960s
Bill Russell Feature
Ebony
1966
First Black Head Coach
Records & Feats
Most NBA championships won by a player
11 championships in 13 seasons, including 8 consecutive from 1959 to 1966.
First Black head coach in major professional sports
Became player-coach of the Boston Celtics in 1966.
51 rebounds in a single game
Grabbed 51 rebounds against the Syracuse Nationals in 1960.