Discover the NBA legend Bill Russell net worth 2023. Learn about his illustrious career, accolades, and legacy in basketball history. Bill Russell was a professional basketball player who dominated the court and made a lasting impact on the game of basketball. He played for the Boston Celtics for 13 years and won 11 championships, making him one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. In this article, we will take a look at Russell’s early life, career, 1956 Olympics, achievements, personal life, and death.
Bill Russell Early Life
Bill Russell was born on February 12, 1934, in Monroe, Louisiana. He grew up in a poverty-stricken family and had to face various challenges from a young age. Despite these difficulties, Russell showed a keen interest in sports, particularly basketball, and he quickly developed a talent for the game. He attended McClymonds High School in Oakland, California, where he excelled in basketball and led his team to two consecutive championships.
Bill Russell Career
After high school, he went to the University of San Francisco where he played basketball and led the school’s team, the Dons, to two NCAA championships in 1955 and 1956. In 1956, he also won a gold medal at the Melbourne Olympics in Australia.
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Red Auerbach, the coach and general manager of the Boston Celtics, had a strong desire to have Russell on his team. He managed to work out a trade with the St Louis Hawks for the second pick in the draft. Auerbach promised the Rochester Royals, who held the first pick in the draft, a lucrative Ice Capades performance, which was owned by the Celtics’ owner Walter Brown. Despite Auerbach’s efforts, Russell was met with complaints when he arrived in Boston, with some people questioning his abilities as a basketball player.
Bill Russell 1956 Olympics
Before starting his professional career, Russell was a part of the U.S. Olympic basketball team that competed in the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia. He helped the team win a gold medal, contributing greatly to the team’s success.
Bill Russell Achievements
Russell’s professional career was nothing short of remarkable. He played for the Boston Celtics for 13 years and won 11 championships, making him one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. He was a dominant center, known for his exceptional shot-blocking and rebounding abilities. He was also an excellent passer, often making assists to his teammates. Russell was named to the All-Star team 12 times and was also named the NBA Most Valuable Player in 1958.
Bill Russell Personal Life
Aside from his basketball career, Russell was also an activist and advocate for social justice. He was a strong supporter of the Civil Rights Movement and used his platform to fight against racism and discrimination.
Bill Russell Death
Bill Russell, a legendary figure in the National Basketball Association (NBA), passed away on Sunday at the age of 88 on 31 July 2022. Russell played for the Boston Celtics, leading the team to 11 championships over 13 years, and he was the first Black head coach in a major American sport. He was also an active participant in the Civil Rights Movement, marching alongside Martin Luther King Jr.
Russell’s death was confirmed by his family in a statement posted on social media. The statement mentioned that he passed away with his wife, Jeannine, by his side and did not provide a cause of death. He left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of basketball players and fans.
Bill Russell Net Worth 2023
Bill Russell was a basketball player who played during an era when player salaries were not as high as they are today. Celebrity Net Worth at the time of his death was reported that Bill Russell Net Worth 2023 was $10 million, which is only a fraction of the salaries that professional players earn today. When he first entered the league in 1956, he signed a contract worth $24,000, which is significantly less than the four-year $50.1 million contract signed by the 2022 first-overall pick Paolo Banchero.
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However, it is important to note that by 1950s standards, Russell was one of the highest-paid players in the NBA. Towards the end of his career, he was reported to make $100,001 annually, which, when adjusted for inflation, is approximately worth $600,000 today. In addition to his salary as a player, Russell received an extra $25,000 as a player coach. He held this role for his final two championship seasons with the Boston Celtics in 1968 and 1969.
According to The Washington Post, Russell did not have any local endorsement deals. However, he did appear in several nationally-televised advertisements. He was featured in an AT&T Wireless commercial alongside Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, as well as a Foot Locker advertisement with Russell Westbrook. Russell also lent his voice to narrate an Under Armour advertisement featuring Stephen Curry.
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In addition to his work in advertising, Russell was also a real estate investor and owned several properties in the United States. In 2021, he sold his Washington home after over 50 years of ownership, with the listing price reported at $2.6 million. Russell’s 11 championship rings have significant monetary value and if his estate or widow chooses to auction them off, they could potentially make a substantial profit.
Conclusion
Bill Russell was a true basketball legend who left an indelible mark on the game of basketball. He was not only a dominant player on the court but also a champion for social justice off the court. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
