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Bill Russell Quotes

1934–2022 United States

William Felton Russell (12 February 1934 – 31 July 2022) was an American professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. He was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career.

United States
Basketball coaches
Basketball players

Random Bill Russell quote

10 quotes

He told me he couldn't wait for the basketball season to end, so he could go back to baseball and get out of shape.

I'm a pretty direct man. You say something I like, I'll tell you so; you say something I don't like, I'll tell you also. A diplomat I'm not.

I'm Not Involved Anymore (1969)

He and I had one big thing in common — the will to win.

I'm Not Involved Anymore (1969)

"What do you think of the Chicago Bulls winning three in a row?" -- Russell: "Not much."

I played because I enjoyed it — but there's more to it than that. I played because I was dedicated to being the best.

I'm Not Involved Anymore (1969)

Nobody can write a story about the Celtics and not talk about Red Auerbach. Much of my success as a professional is a result of the way he first approached me.

I'm Not Involved Anymore (1969)

There are professionals and there are mercenaries in sports. The difference between them is that the professional is involved. I was never a mercenary.

I'm Not Involved Anymore (1969)

There was only one statistic that was important to us — won and lost.

I'm Not Involved Anymore (1969)

I'm not going to play basketball for money. I've been paid to play, of course, but I played for a lot of other reasons, too.

I'm Not Involved Anymore (1969)

To me, one of the most beautiful things to see is a group of men coordinating their efforts toward a common goal — alternately subordinating and asserting themselves to achieve real teamwork in action.

I'm Not Involved Anymore (1969)

Attribution

Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: Bill Russell (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.