American · Monroe, Louisiana · Born 12 February 1934American basketball center and coach, widely regarded as the greatest winner in NBA history with 11 championships in 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics.
William Felton Russell was born in Monroe, Louisiana in 1934 and grew up in Oakland. Boston Celtics acquired him in 1956 and he went on to win 11 NBA championships in 13 seasons — including eight consecutive titles from 1959 to 1966, a dynasty never approached in any major American sport. He won five MVP awards and was a 12-time All-Star. He averaged 22.5 rebounds per game for his career. His defensive presence and shot-blocking transformed the game — opponents changed his entire offensive approach to account for him. He was player-coach of the Celtics from 1966 to 1969 — the first Black head coach in any major American professional sport. He won Olympic gold with the USA at Melbourne 1956. He was a civil rights activist throughout his career, refusing to play in segregated cities and standing alongside Muhammad Ali during the Ali draft protest. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011. He died in July 2022 aged 88. He is the greatest winner in the history of American team sports.
Winning 11 NBA championships in 13 seasons, revolutionary defensive play, and breaking racial barriers as first Black head coach
His eight consecutive NBA Championships (1959-1966) is the longest consecutive title run in any major American professional sport.
Did You Know?How They Played
Dominant defensive center with exceptional shot-blocking, rebounding, and team leadership
Lasting Impact
Greatest winner in NBA history and pioneering civil rights figure who transformed basketball defense
Career Honours
- NBA Champion 11x (8 consecutive)
- NBA MVP 5x
- 12x All-Star
- First Black head coach in major US pro sport
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Celtics | 1956–1969 | 963 |
American Athletes