Atlanta Hawks star joins NBA world to mourn legend’s passing

The Atlanta Hawks organization has joined the entire NBA world in mourning the passing of the legendary Bill Russell. They drafted Russell out of San Franciso College with the second-overall pick in the 1956 NBA Draft. The then St. Louis Hawks traded the 6-foot-10 Russell to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Cliff Hagan and Ed Macauley.

Atlanta went on to win a championship the following season while Russell went on to win 11 championships as a player and a coach with Boston.

It is ultimately one of the worst trades in the franchise’s history.

But the outpouring of support from the Hawks, some of their players, and others with even a passing knowledge of Russell’s incredible legacy show that the loss of the man is being felt even more than the player.

Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks share condolences honoring Bill Russell

The announcement came from Russell’s official Twitter handle.

Russell won two of his 11 championships as a player-coach (the first black head coach in the history of North American professional sports) and eight straight from 1959 to 1966 with the Celtics. Only his activism off of the court could overshadow the dominance he displayed on the basketball court, particularly on the glass.

For his career, Russell averaged 22.5 rebounds to go with 15.1 points and 4.3 assists.

They did not record blocks back then. But it is fairly safe to say Russell was adept in that aspect too.

Hawks star Trae Young tweeted out his sentiments which were echoed by many.

Former Hawks center and Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo shared a heartfelt message on Russel’s impact in the wake of his passing.

“The NBA family just learned this afternoon that Bill Russell, the 11-time champion and Hall of Fame icon of the Boston Celtics, who used that fame to further the civil rights cause in the United States during the turbulent 1960s, has died at the age of 88. He will be missed ”

Georgia native and activist Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics also shared his thoughts on an individual he shared so much in common with.

Brown shared more thoughts in subsequent tweets to further intimate how much of an impact Russell had, not just on him, but on the entire world.

“I’m honored to be able to have spent time with you @RealBillRussell thank you for everything you stood for you #forever6…RIP to one of the greatest athletes ever”, Brown said in a pair of tweets.

He also shared this iconic photo of Russell seated next to Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, and Kareem Abdul-Jabar during the Civil Rights Movement.

Russell played 14 seasons in the NBA paving the way for players for generations to come both on and off of the basketball court. It is always a sad occasion when someone passes and this time should not be expected to be any different.

Condolences go out to the Russell family. Rest in Peace, Mr. Russell.