Bill Russell Finally Accepts HOF Ring

Nice story, thanks for posting. I started watching pro hoops in the mid 60s so only saw the last 5 years of Russell's career. Great player and certainly one of the more cerebral players I had the pleasure of watching.
 
First game I ever attended in person was a pro doubleheader at the old MSG on 49th street. Celts vs. Phila Warriors pre-Wilt, and Knicks vs. Pistons with George Yardley. Three teams played the same style and the Celts were a completely different art form. Celtics fan ever since except for the two years they were corrupted by Pitino. My all-time team is still:

Russell
Oscar
Michael
LeBron
Tim Duncan
 
I know I can look this up, but these types of topics are always fun with this group. Since Russell was just slightly before my time, who were some of the great black players that should have made the HOF before him?

And I am asking this seriously, because when I discussed it with a buddy last night, the handful of players that I guessed were all still playing when Russell retired apparently (at least according to him)
 
Last edited:
I remember hearing Russell speak at St. John's when I was a student. I remember him telling us he was glad to meet us, but he did not sign autographs, but would be happy to shake hands. Seemed very intelligent and down to earth.
 
There were probably many, but not in the NBA. Chuck Cooper for the Celtics, Nat Sweetwater Clifton for the Knicks, and I think Si Hugo Green were first wave of black players in the league. Certainly Goose Tatum and Marcus Haynes for the Globetrotters. There must be some good books on this but I don't know much beyond personal memory.
 
It is the basketball hall of fame, so I guess Sweetwater not actually having great NBA stats wouldn't matter as much as his NBA pathbreaking. I suspect Russell probably wanted Cooper, Sweetwater, and the third guy who came in with them all enshrined.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top