Celtics

‘Thank you for everything’: NBA world reacts to Bill Russell’s passing

"Thank you for paving the way and inspiring so many."

Bill Russell and Red Auerbach share a moment. AP File Photo

By Trevor Hass

July 31, 2022

The basketball world lost a titan Sunday as Bill Russell died at age 88.

Here’s the announcement:

An announcement… pic.twitter.com/KMJ7pG4R5Z
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) July 31, 2022

Here are some reactions:

Paul Pierce referred to him as a “trailblazer” and “pioneer.”

😢#6
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) July 31, 2022

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 (@paulpierce34) July 31, 2022

I’ll never forget this day we was like kids sitting around a camp fire listening to your stories pic.twitter.com/ZX3DDPRAwt
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) July 31, 2022

Jayson Tatum called him a “legend.“

Thank you for everything! R.I.P Legend 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/tn2iGsArav
— Jayson Tatum (@jaytatum0) July 31, 2022

Jaylen Brown thanked him for paving the way.

Rest In Peace 🕊thank you for paving the way and inspiring so many Today is a sad day but also great day to celebrate his legacy and what he stood for 💚 pic.twitter.com/kvDaIsjpGG
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 31, 2022

I’m honored to be able to have spent time with you @RealBillRussell thank you for everything you stood for you #forever6
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 31, 2022

RIP to one of the greatest athletes ever
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 31, 2022

pic.twitter.com/tlKQeFJP4f
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 31, 2022

Marcus Smart said he “just played and dominated.”

12 time @NBA All-Star
11 NBA rings
5 MVPs
No 3-point line
No social media
Just played and dominated in a day and a league that was def not soft. @celtics to the core ☘️
RIP @RealBillRussell 😢 #LEGENDARY pic.twitter.com/mG7K1AOfQq
— marcus smart (@smart_MS3) July 31, 2022

Grant Williams credited him for changing the world.

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 (@Grant2Will) July 31, 2022

Brad Stevens said he “set the standard.”

So very sad to hear about Bill Russell today. He set the standard – on and off the court. RIP to an all-time winner, teammate and person. 🙏🙏 https://t.co/OIzUn8aLwG
— Brad Stevens (@BCCoachStevens) July 31, 2022

Michael Jordan highlighted him as someone who “paved the way.”

A statement from Hornets Chairman Michael Jordan on the passing of NBA legend Bill Russell. pic.twitter.com/RdYcnuCrmb
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) July 31, 2022

Commissioner Adam Silver called him the greatest champion in all of team sports.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's statement regarding the passing of Bill Russell. pic.twitter.com/3BcZDnKjxK
— NBA (@NBA) July 31, 2022

Magic Johnson referred to him as his “idol.”

I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of the greatest winner the game of basketball has ever seen, a legend, hall of famer, mentor and my friend for over 30 years, Bill Russell. 💔 pic.twitter.com/iiSkVq2kdn
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 31, 2022

Bill Russell was my idol. I looked up to him on the court and off. His success on the court was undeniable; he was dominate and great, winning 11 NBA championships. Off the court, Bill Russell paved the way for guys like me. pic.twitter.com/ZMIrEx8Tne
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 31, 2022

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. pic.twitter.com/K73adpaWZ4
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 31, 2022

Despite all of his achievements, he was so humble, a gentle giant, a very intelligent man, and used his voice and platform to fight for Black people. Since the day we met, he mentored me and shared advice.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 31, 2022

Later in life, he never missed an opportunity to tell me how proud he was of me for what I was doing for Black America throughout the country. I will forever remember his cackling laugh, sense of humor and love for the game of basketball. pic.twitter.com/tLaK2gjlGa
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 31, 2022

This is a tremendous loss for the entire basketball world. Cookie and I are praying for the Bill’s family and loved ones, our NBA family, and the entire basketball community. 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/kJvF5uBZFI
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 31, 2022

David Robinson thanked him for leading the way.

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 (@DavidtheAdmiral) July 31, 2022

Bill Simmons deemed him one of the most important athletes ever.

Man… Bill Russell.

One of the most important athletes who ever lived. And one of the greatest. RIP.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) July 31, 2022

Robert Horry referred to it as a “teary-eyed Sunday.”

This is a teary-eyed Sunday knowing that we lost a legendary human being @RealBillRussell His dedication to civil-rights, human-rights and the sport of basketball puts him beyond legendary status. That smile will be missed. pic.twitter.com/fmZSmFVkqp
— Robert Horry (@RKHorry) July 31, 2022

Isiah Thomas highlighted his “winning spirit.”

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. pic.twitter.com/rBjFS6nhzW
— Isiah Thomas (@IsiahThomas) July 31, 2022

Isaiah Thomas also expressed his condolences.

RIP Bill Russell ☘️
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) July 31, 2022

Rick Barry noted that he’s one of the greatest players ever.

So sad to lose a friend broadcasting partner and one of the greatest players in the history of the NBA. RIP Bill Russell @ESPNNBA @NBA @NBAonTNT @NBAOfficial @NBATV @celtics @NBAcom @NBAalumni @TheNBPA
— Rick Barry (@Rick24Barry) July 31, 2022

Trae Young honored Russell.