NBA legend Bill Russell passed away on Sunday but he left behind some memorable moments on and off the court. One of these moments took place during the NBA’s inaugural awards show back in 2017.
When Russell took to the stage, he saw five of the finest NBA centres of all time in Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Alonzo Mourning, Shaquille O’Neal, David Robinson and Dikembe Mutombo.
The NBA legend counted the five men one by one before dropping an unforgettable line.
“I would kick your ass,” Russell, who was 83 years old at that point, said.
The five men were on the stage to hand Russell the lifetime achievement prize. In his prime, Russell was one of the finest NBA stars of all time.
How did Bill Russell die?
Russell lost his life at the age of 88, however his family didn’t reveal the cause of death in a joint statement.
“Bill‘s wife, Jeannine, and his many friends and family thank you for keeping Bill in your prayers,” the family statement said.
“Perhaps you’ll relive one or two of the golden moments he gave us, or recall his trademark laugh as he delighted in explaining the real story behind how those moments unfolded.
“And we hope each of us can find a new way to act or speak up with Bill‘s uncompromising, dignified and always constructive commitment to principle. That would be one last, and lasting, win for our beloved #6.”
