Russell’s Untouchable Legacy

Bill Russell revolutionized the score-happy, defense-averse NBA (“He did win ’em all,” Sports, Aug. 1).

Prior to Russell, big men dominated by employing brutish stratagems, whereas Russell masterminded with guile, timing and intimidation.

Opponents would take a shot, thinking it was open, and Russell would swoop in and deflect the shot, often steering it toward a teammate.

Thus, NBA contemporary Tom Meschery described Russell as an “eagle with a beard.”

In 1966, Arnold “Red” Auerbach named Russell the Boston Celtics player-coach, a landmark. A white reporter asked: Did Russell anticipate resistance from white players? Russell’s deadpan answer: “No.” Ever regal, Russell didn’t grovel. Marc Greenwood

Opelika, Ala.

The world just lost a great basketball player and individual in Bill Russell.

He truly exemplified sportsmanship and teamwork. He was the consummate teammate and winner. He sacrificed scoring to help his team win.

Very often, his teams were less talented than their competitors but won because of their unselfish teamwork. Alan Podhaizer

Brooklyn