What they say
Bill Russell’s passing is not just an NBA loss, it is a world loss. When your actions match your words on important issues, you are a great man, not just a great basketball player. The word ‘hero’ is tossed around a lot, but today it is perfect. RIP great man BR. Charles Barkley, NBA legend and now a prominent sports pundit Bill Russell was the quintessential big man — not because of his height but because of the size of his heart. In basketball he showed us how to play with grace and passion. In life he showed us how to live with compassion and joy. He was my friend. My mentor. My role model. RIP my friend.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, NBA’s all-time leading scorer, a six-time NBA champion Bill Russell was the most powerful ambassador of the NBA. I held him in the highest regard and tried to build on the groundwork laid by him and his generation of players. Thank you, Bill, for leading the way and giving us such a high bar to shoot at.
David Robinson, one of the greatest centers in NBA history
Rest in peace Bill Russell you were everything we all aspired to be, your winning spirit will live forever my friend. Thank you for your words of wisdom. Isiah Thomas, Basketball Hall of Famer writing on Twitter
He was one of the first athletes on the front line fighting for social justice, equity, equality, and civil rights. That’s why I admired and loved him so much. Over the course of our friendship, he always reminded me about making things better in the black community.
Magic Johnson, Basketball Hall of Famer writing on Twitter
Thanku for being a trailblazer, pioneer Thanku for setting the bar, for ur kind words of wisdom, Thanku for that great laugh u had. I can go on all day about what u meant to me. Today is a sad day for the NBA family u will be forever missed #6” Paul Pierce, Celtics Hall of Famer writing on Twitter
Bill Russell was a pioneer — as a player, as a champion, as the NBA’s first black head coach and as an activist. He paved the way and set an example for every black player who came into the league after him, including me. The world has lost a legend ... may he rest in peace. Michael Jordan, NBA legend
Bill Russell was bigger than basketball, even though he was one of the greatest players of all times. He stood for civil and human rights before it was trendy, in fact when he did it, it was risky! A true giant on and off the court, May he rest in peace and power!”
Reverend Al Sharpton, on Twitter
R.I.P Bill Russell. You allowed me to be in the position I am in today and you changed not only the league but the world. Forever 6.
Grant Williams, Celtics player on Twitter
People like Bill, he’s a bridge to all the struggle that generation went through to get to that point. If everyone could take a little bit of what Bill Russell did for his entire life, we’d be a better world.
The things he did with Kareem (AbdulJabbar) and Jim Brown and pushing everything forward with equality. They were the first to do it when it meant giving something up along with Muhammad Ali. Giving up things they loved to do for the betterment of this country. Diana Taurasi, guard with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury
Bill Russell was a once-in-a-generation activist athlete who made all of those around him better on and off the court. He had a career of firsts and led the way for so many. I admired him my entire life and he had a huge influence on my career and my life. He was the ultimate leader, ultimate team player and the ultimate champion.
Billie Jean King, tennis legend