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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Justin Quinn

On this day: Bill Russell retires; Acie Earl drafted; Orien Greene waived

Bill Russell Celtics Boston Celtics

On this day in Boston Celtics history, one of the greatest players to play the game retired: Celtics center legend Bill Russell decided to hang it up officially after 13 seasons with the team. Russell joined the team in 1956, drafted (along with college teammate K.C. Jones) out of the University of San Francisco.

He played for the team for 13 seasons, winning an NBA-record 11 titles over that stretch, including eight in a row in the 1960s. The Louisiana native racked up five Most Valuable Player awards, 12 All-Star games (and an All-Star game MVP), 11 All-NBA teams, and five All-Defensive teams among many other honors, retiring on this day in 1969.

Russell averaged 15.1 points, 22.5 rebounds (yes, really) and 4.3 assists per game over his career, all spent with the Celtics.

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