His impact on basketball and society will not be forgotten. The world lost a legend with the passing of Bill Russell. Bill Russell was an inspiration to me in so many ways. RIP ? #LEGENDARY /mG7K1AOfQqĪ champion who revolutionized the game for all of us. Just played and dominated in a day and a league that was def not soft. Thank you for everything! R.I.P Legend ?? /tn2iGsArav 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 ? /kvDaIsjpGG Today is a sad day for the NBA family u will be forever missed #6 I can go on all day about what u meant to me. Thanku for being a trailblazer, pioneer Thanku for setting the bar, for ur kind words of wisdom, Thanku for that great laugh u had. RIP Bill Russell Rick Barry July 31, 2022 So sad to lose a friend broadcasting partner and one of the greatest players in the history of the NBA. Rest in peace Bill Russell you were everything we all aspired to be, your winning spirit will live forever my friend. ZMIrEx8TneĪ statement from Hornets Chairman Michael Jordan on the passing of NBA legend Bill Russell. Off the court, Bill Russell paved the way for guys like me. His success on the court was undeniable he was dominate and great, winning 11 NBA championships. Silver is one of many to react to Russell's passing, as numerous players, teams and members of the media took to Twitter to pay their respects:īill Russell was my idol. League commissioner Adam Silver released a statement following Russell's death, calling him "the ultimate winner and consummate teammate" whose "influence on the NBA will be felt forever." Russell continued to be a mainstay at league events, including the NBA Finals, where, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, he would hand the Bill Russell Trophy to the NBA Finals MVP. MORE: Russell's lasting impact as a civil rights icon | Russell's impact on today's Black coaches In addition to being an icon on and off the court during his playing career, Russell remained involved with the game well beyond his retirement. To be the greatest champion in your sport, to revolutionize the way the game is played, and to be a societal leader all at once seems unthinkable, but that is who Bill Russell was. In an announcement shared on Twitter by his family, Russell passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 31, with his wife by his side. The basketball world is feeling a collective sense of sadness following the death of Hall of Famer Bill Russell, an iconic figure whose impact transcends the world of sport.