NBA great Bill Russell dies aged 88

KARACHI: Bill Russell, a legendary American basketball player, passed away at age 88.

While playing for the Boston Celtics throughout a 13-year career, center Russell set a record by winning 11 NBA championships and five NBA Most Valuable Player trophies.

In addition to leading America to Olympic victory in 1956, he pioneered equal rights as the league's first black head coach.

"Bill Russell was the greatest champion in all of the team sports," said NBA commissioner Adam Silver.

"The countless accolades he earned for his storied career with the Boston Celtics only begin to tell the story of Bill's immense impact on our league and broader society.

"At the height of his athletic career, Bill advocated vigorously for civil rights and social justice — a legacy he passed down to generations of NBA players who followed in his footsteps.

"I often called him basketball's Babe Ruth for how he transcended time. Bill was the ultimate winner and consummate team-mate and his influence on the NBA will be felt forever."

Russell was admitted into the Basketball Hall of Fame for the first time as a player in 1975. He was then inducted again as a coach in 2021, and the Celtics retired his No. 6 jersey.

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