Bill Russell Five NBA MVPs
The cornerstone of the Celtics dynasty and a five-time MVP.
Bill Russell was a center for the Boston Celtics from 1956 to 1969, winning 11 NBA championships and five MVP awards. His fifth and final MVP was in 1963.
Quick Facts
- Role
- Center
- Affiliation
- Boston Celtics
- Years active
- 1956–1969
- Mvp awards
- 5
- Nba championships
- 11
- Status
- Hall of Fame Legend
Lore & Background
Russell was a five-time NBA Most Valuable Player and a 12-time NBA All-Star. He led the NBA in rebounds four times and had a dozen consecutive seasons of 1,000 or more rebounds. He remains second all-time in total rebounds and first in rebounds per game.
Reader's Guide
Russell's defensive prowess, shot-blocking, and leadership were key to the Celtics' dominance. He served as player-coach from 1966 to 1969, becoming the first black NBA coach to win a championship.
Did You Know?
- Russell was traded to the Celtics after being drafted second overall by the St. Louis Hawks in 1956.
- He won an NCAA championship in 1955 and 1956 with the San Francisco Dons and captained the gold medal-winning U.S. team at the 1956 Olympics.
- The NBA Finals MVP Award was renamed in his honor in 2009.
- Russell was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.
More in Championships & Records
Elsewhere in Boston Celtics
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced