Bill Russell was an American professional basketball player who played as a center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969.
Every year, Russell averaged more rebounds per game than rebounds per season over his 13 seasons as a 6ft 10 center. He had at least 20 rebounds each game for a decade. In one game, he had 51 rebounds; Chamberlain had 55.
Before Frank Robinson took over the Cleveland Indians in baseball, Auerbach had stepped down as a player coach, making Russell the first African-American head coach in NBA history.
A loss to Chamberlain’s Philadelphia 76ers ended a seven-year reign as NBA champions for Boston. Russell led the Celtics to two championships in 1968 and 1969, both of which came against Chamberlain in seven-game playoff series.
Retiring in 1969, Russell returned for a four-year career as coach and GM of the Seattle SuperSonics and a less successful half-season as coach of the Sacramento Kings.
Bill Russell Ex Wife: Who is Bill Russell’s First Wife Rose Swisher?
Rose Swisher was formerly married to the legendary NBA player Bill Russell. American professional basketball player Bill Russell was a member of the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association from 1956 until 1969.
On December 9, 1956, Swisher and Russell exchanged vows and became husband and wife. They began dating in college and remained together until 1973 when they decided to end their marriage.
Jacob Russell, William Russell Jr., and Karen Russell were the couple’s three children together.
