Golden State Warriors Steph Curry had recently reflected on the legacy that late Bill Russell has left. Russell was one of the greatest players of all time as he led Boston Celtics to 11 NBA Championships, eight of which came on the bounce.
Curry had paid tribute to the former legendary player on his social media account. In an interview with Rayna Reid Rayford of Essence, Curry said that Russell made a big impact on the game, both on and off the court.
Curry revealed that Russell faced a lot of hatred, racism, and adversities throughout his career but defied all the odds. Russell had also become the first African American coach in the NBA.
Curry said in an interview, “Neither one of us is sitting here if he didn’t do what he did in his career,” Curry said. “Not just because of what he did in basketball, but in terms of the times that he played in. The hatred, the racism, the adversity, facing it his entire life, and especially during his playing days.”
“Had he not been the man that he was and pushed through everything he had to, I don’t know if the NBA is in the space it is. It had trickle-down effects to the rest of the basketball world. So, we’re all eternally grateful for who he is and was, what he meant to the game, and what he meant to society.”
Meanwhile, Steph Curry won his first Finals MVP award in the previous season after coming up with a prolific performance. Bill Russell, on whom the award is named, could not present it to Curry because of his poor health. However, Russell had sent his congratulations to the talisman via his Twitter handle.
“Steph, congratulations on your first Bill Russell MVP award,” Russell said. “I wish I could be there to give you the award myself, but I’m glad I can share this message to you regardless. You’re a great person and player. Congratulations to you and your team. Have fun.”
On the other hand, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver revealed that Bill Russell’s No.6 jersey will be retired by all 30 NBA teams, as a mark of respect for the great player.
“Bill Russell’s unparalleled success on the court and pioneering civil rights activism deserves to be honored in a unique and historic way,” NBA Commissioner Adam
Silver said. “Permanently retiring his No. 6 across every NBA team ensures that Bill’s transcendent career will always be recognized.”
