Bill Russell!

So ole Billy Bob (that's what he lets his friends call him) celebrated his 75th birthday the other day. I came across a photo gallery on NBA.com in tribute to him. For those of you who don't know (what the FUCK?!), Bill Russell is the greatest winner in all of team sports. He won 11 championships in 13 years. Think about that for a second. 11 out of 13. More rings than he has fingers to put them on. Wow. Wilt Chamberlain, you can have all the MVPs (Russell had 5, by the way), scoring records, and individual accolades you want, but if I'm constructing a team, Bill Russell is the guy I want. He was about 4-5 inches shorter than Wilt, but was able to contain him more than anyone else during that era. (Wilt averaged 50 in one season and Russell would consistently hold him to 30...pretty good.) 

And can I just say that Bill Russell had 54 rebounds in one game?!?! How does that even happen??!!

Anyway, here's a bunch of really nice pictures of Russell in his playing days. Here's to the one guy that exemplifies Celtics basketball and they way not only basketball, but all sports, should be played.

Not known for his offense, Russell is still 8th on the C's all-time scoring list with 14,522.

Russell became the first black player-coach in the league.

No freakin' chance, buddy.

You're seriously gonna even try and do that?? No wonder the Cincinnati Royals are now defunct...

Russell has remained a presence on the Celtics, helping guide the young players and forming a close bond with fellow big man, Kevin Garnett

"Only one?? Try 11!!! Hehehehehhehhehehe!"

Russell was named the Greatest NBA Player of All Time in 1980. I still think that holds true.

"I'm better than you."

And for your viewing pleasure, see KG truly humbled and in awe in this great conversation with Russell before they won their 17th championship: