On this day in Boston Celtics history, 1934, one of the legends in NBA history was born in West Monroe, Louisiana: iconic Celtics Hall of Fame big man William “Bill” Fenton Russell. Widely regarded as one of the greatest big men to ever play in an NBA franchise, Russell is known for his incredible defensive prowess and uncanny timing, especially his historic rebounding and shot-blocking abilities. So far, Russell still ranks second in the NBA with 21,620 total rebounds and average rebounds per game. Together with Wilt Chamberlain, he has become one of the two players in history with more than 50 rebounds in a single game.
He is also one of only seven players to win an Olympic gold medal (NCAA championship). Most importantly, however, Russell is known as the greatest winner of all time, winning 11 NBA championships, more than any other player and one of only four players to win consecutive NCAA and NBA championships. His list of accomplishments is too long to list in full, as he also coached in the league, serving as player-coach with Boston and later only as coach of the Seattle SuperSonics and Sacramento Kings.
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Not only was he a major force in integrating the white-dominated movement at the time, he was also a noteworthy activist in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. The depth and breadth of his impact on the sport cannot be overstated. Russell was the engine that propelled the franchise to greatness throughout his 13-year career, and it all happened in Boston.
Closed, but no cigar. Professional basketball made its season debut last night at the Garden, and in the opener, Boston’s Big Bill Russell showed off his usual rebounding prowess. Here, the Philadelphia Warriors’ Al Attell struggled to challenge Beal in the first quarter and came within inches of success. Despite Russell’s prowess, the Warriors defeated the Celtics 97-88 in an NBA exhibition game. (Photo by Charles Hough/New York Daily News via Getty Images)
He averaged 22.5 rebounds and 15.1 points per game during that time, and probably had similarly incredible block averages, but they weren’t recorded in that era. In fact, Russell was instrumental in integrating the action more firmly into the defensive side of the floor.
Birthday
It also happens to be the birthday of former Celtics big man Scott Pollard, who won a championship with Boston in his final year in the league after spending his previous ten seasons with the Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers.
BOSTON – NOVEMBER 2: Paul Pierce #34 enters the court and is greeted by Boston Celtics teammates Scott Pollard #66 and Brian Scalabrine #44 before a game against the Washington Wizards at TD Banknorth Garden on November 2, 2007 in Boston, Massachusetts. Notice to User: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photo, User agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2007 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
He is also known for his appearance as a celebrity contestant on the popular reality television show “Survivor” in 2016. Pollard appeared in only 22 regular-season games and no playoff appearances, averaging 1.8 points and 1.7 rebounds per game — and he also appeared on “Survivor.”
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trade
Today was also the day that then-owner John Y. Brown made a deal for his girlfriend, former Miss America Phyllis George. George was a fan of (then) New York Knicks Bob McAdoo, so ownership passed to then-team president Red Auerbach and three future first-round picks and forward Tom Buck were traded to acquire McAdoo.
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Auerbach nearly resigned and joined the Knicks, but fans convinced him to stay — thanks in large part to the efforts of a taxi driver. McAdoo only played one season in Boston and played in only 20 games. While his performance wasn’t terrible — 20.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game — especially considering his injuries, you’d be hard-pressed to find a worse return among the three first-round picks in league history.
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Even stranger—and perhaps the ultimate testament to Redd’s abilities as a general manager—this deal would give Auerbach the ammunition to build the Kevin McHale/Robert Parish/Larry Bird teams of the 1980s.
This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics History: Bill Russell, Scott Pollard Birth; Bob McAdoo Trade
