Bill Russell led the Boston Celtics to 11 NBA championships.
The Celtics legend died Sunday at the age of 88, his family announced.
“Bill Russell, the most prolific winner in American sports history, passed away peacefully today at age 88, with his wife Jeannine by his side, they wrote in a post on the legend’s verified Twitter account. “Arrangements for his memorial service will be announced soon.”
NBA commissioner Adam Silver, in a statement, called Mr. Russell “the greatest champion in all of team sports.”
Former Celtics player Paul Pierce said what many in the sports world are likely thinking right now: “Today is a sad day for the NBA family.”
Mr. Russell won 11 championships with the Boston Celtics, including eight straight from 1959 to 1966. He was a five-time NBA MVP and a 12-time All-Star. Today, the Finals MVP award is named after him.
When Celtics coach Red Auerbach retired after the 1966 season, Mr. Russell became the first black man to coach an NBA team and to coach in one of the major sports leagues. He coached three seasons, had a record of 162-83 and won two championships.
In 2010, President Barack Obama awarded Bill Russell the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, for both his athletic accomplishments and his advocacy for human rights.
