Bill Russell Drafted (1956)
The cornerstone of the Celtics dynasty and a pioneer on and off the court.
Bill Russell was drafted by the St. Louis Hawks with the second overall pick in the 1956 NBA draft and traded to the Boston Celtics for Ed Macauley and Cliff Hagan.
Quick Facts
- Role
- Center
- Draft year
- 1956
- Original draft pick
- 2nd Overall (St. Louis Hawks)
- Trade partner
- St. Louis Hawks
- First season with celtics
- 1956-1957
- Championships won with boston
- 11
Lore & Background
Russell was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty, winning 11 NBA championships in 13 seasons. He was a five-time NBA MVP, 12-time All-Star, and the first black NBA coach to win a championship. After his death in 2022, the NBA retired his #6 jersey league-wide, making him the only NBA player to receive that honor.
Reader's Guide
The league-wide retirement of Russell's #6 jersey was announced shortly after his death in 2022.
Did You Know?
- Russell led the San Francisco Dons to consecutive NCAA championships in 1955 and 1956.
- He captained the gold medal-winning U.S. team at the 1956 Summer Olympics.
- Russell was one of only eight players in men's basketball history to achieve the Triple Crown (NCAA, Olympic, and NBA championships).
- He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.
More in Club History & Eras
TD Garden Opening (1995)Celtics-Lakers Rivalry2007-08 Big Three FormationPaul Pierce Era Begins2008 NBA Championship WinCeltic Dynasty (1957–1969)The Big Three Era (2008)1984 NBA Finals vs. Lakers1946-1950: The Founding Years1981-1986: The Big Three Formation1957-1962: The Bill Russell Championship Run1963-1966: The John Havlicek Era Begins
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