Boston Celtics honor Bill Russell for first regular season game since NBA legend passed away, paying tribute to ‘a true champion, both on and off the floor’
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When the Boston Celtics helped officially open the NBA season at their home game at TD Garden, they began with a tribute to the greatest player in franchise history: Bill Russell.
Russell, a pioneer for African Americans in sports and an NBA Hall of Famer, died on July 31, 2022 at the age of 88.
The Celtics kicked off their season with a pre-game ceremony honoring Russell’s accomplishments with the organization – including winning 11 titles as a player and two as head coach – as well as those off the field.
The NBA announced shortly after his death that Russell’s number 6 league-wide is retiring. He is the only player to have this honor. In addition, the Celtics began to play with the subtlety of the number 6 marked in the paint under the basket.
Boston Celtics players took a moment before their season opener to pay tribute to Bill Russell
The Hall of Famer and multiple champion passed away on July 31 this year at the age of 88
Dressed in their ‘City Edition’ uniforms – which were created this year in tribute to Russell – the Celtics made statements honoring his achievements on and off the field.
“Bill Russell was a great man. But what did that mean? What defined his greatness?” Jaylen Brown wondered.
Who he was as a mentor, father or member of his community. Certainly eleven championships here in Boston – both playing and coaching. But Bill Russell was undoubtedly a great man for what and for whom he stood.
During a peak of racial tension in our society, he represented a form of nobility and honor that transcended sport. The amount of respect he receives from his people will live on forever, and I am grateful for [have been] to shake his hand.
“He was a true champion both on and off the floor and our gratitude is endless. I started by saying that Bill Russell was a great man. Finally, Bill Russell was the greatest of all men, and the NBA, this organization, this world was very lucky to have him. May he rest in peace.’
Russell won 11 titles as a player, two titles as a coach, and had his number retired throughout the competition
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