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.
In an announcement shared on Twitter by his family, Russell passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 31, with his wife by his side.
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. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/K0Ue0hKiLs
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) July 31, 2022
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.
MORE: Russell's lasting impact as a civil rights icon | Russell's impact on today's Black coaches
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.
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."
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:
Bill Russell was my idol. I looked up to him on the court and off. His success on the court was undeniable; he was dominate and great, winning 11 NBA championships. Off the court, Bill Russell paved the way for guys like me. pic.twitter.com/ZMIrEx8Tne
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 31, 2022
A statement from Hornets Chairman Michael Jordan on the passing of NBA legend Bill Russell. pic.twitter.com/RdYcnuCrmb
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) July 31, 2022
Rest in peace Bill Russell you were everything we all aspired to be, your winning spirit will live forever my friend. Thank you for your words of wisdom. pic.twitter.com/rBjFS6nhzW
— Isiah Thomas (@IsiahThomas) July 31, 2022
So sad to lose a friend broadcasting partner and one of the greatest players in the history of the NBA. RIP Bill Russell @ESPNNBA @NBA @NBAonTNT @NBAOfficial @NBATV @celtics @NBAcom @NBAalumni @TheNBPA
— Rick Barry (@Rick24Barry) July 31, 2022
Thanku for being a trailblazer , pioneer Thanku for setting the bar , for ur kind words of wisdom, Thanku for that great laugh u had . I can go on all day about what u meant to me . Today is a sad day for the NBA family u will be forever missed #6
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) July 31, 2022
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 💚 pic.twitter.com/kvDaIsjpGG
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 31, 2022
Thank you for everything! R.I.P Legend 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/tn2iGsArav
— Jayson Tatum (@jaytatum0) July 31, 2022
12 time @NBA All-Star
— marcus smart (@smart_MS3) July 31, 2022
11 NBA rings
5 MVPs
No 3-point line
No social media
Just played and dominated in a day and a league that was def not soft. @celtics to the core ☘️
RIP @RealBillRussell 😢 #LEGENDARY pic.twitter.com/mG7K1AOfQq
A champion who revolutionized the game for all of us. Bill Russell was an inspiration to me in so many ways. May he Rest in Power.
— Carmelo Anthony (@carmeloanthony) July 31, 2022
The world lost a legend with the passing of Bill Russell. His impact on basketball and society will not be forgotten. He handled every adversity with dignity and grace, and walked away a champion. My condolences to his family and those blessed enough to call him a friend.
— Patrick Ewing (@CoachEwing33) July 31, 2022
One of the most dominant players in @NBA History. An 11 times NBA Champion and one of the best to have ever done it.
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) July 31, 2022
I’ll forever be honored to have met you. Thank you for everything you have given to the game and all of us. Rest in peace, @RealBillRussell. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/HOouLIrXWv
You continually served as an inspiration on and off the court, leaving an impact on the game as well as the community.
— T Mac (@Tmac_213) July 31, 2022
Rest In Peace Bill Russell. Forever a legend🕊
The definition of champion, on and off the court. Thank you for everything, Bill. pic.twitter.com/tB5nLoslSF
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 31, 2022
Legends are forever.
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) July 31, 2022
RIP Bill Russell, truly a titan of our game. pic.twitter.com/EKpLABwzmT
Rest In Peace Legend! 🙏🏽😞❤️ https://t.co/VhjGoIM8Ff
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) July 31, 2022
RIP to the Legend Bill Russell
— Darius Garland (@dariusgarland22) July 31, 2022
