Bill Russell gives LeBron a history lesson

[footey]

Sounds like Bill was a little miffed to not be included.  But that's a pretty amazing speech to give.  Glad to see Bill's still got that competitive fire.  You just know he was thinking "if we were the same age I'd've buried you too".

It's always bothered me that LeBron switched from No. 23 as a way to honor Jordan—but he switched to No. 6, which belongs to the greatest winner in the history of modern North American sports and a civil rights pioneer. And nobody ever talked about that! I wonder if that bothers Russ, too.

Me too. TP.

[footey]

Sounds like Bill was a little miffed to not be included.  But that's a pretty amazing speech to give.  Glad to see Bill's still got that competitive fire.  You just know he was thinking "if we were the same age I'd've buried you too".

Dr. J's number with the NY Nets was 32, so I don't quite identify him with the number 6 like I do Russell.  A minor quibble.

It's always bothered me that LeBron switched from No. 23 as a way to honor Jordan—but he switched to No. 6, which belongs to the greatest winner in the history of modern North American sports and a civil rights pioneer. And nobody ever talked about that! I wonder if that bothers Russ, too.

Not to mention Dr. J.

[wiley]

bump.

[Roy H.]

Russ forgot his Olympic gold medal.  It's a heck of a resume.

[dark_lord]

Russ forgot his Olympic gold medal.  It's a heck of a resume.

and that he won as a player/coach

[mgent]

Sounds like Bill was a little miffed to not be included.  But that's a pretty amazing speech to give.  Glad to see Bill's still got that competitive fire.  You just know he was thinking "if we were the same age I'd've buried you too".

It's always bothered me that LeBron switched from No. 23 as a way to honor Jordan—but he switched to No. 6, which belongs to the greatest winner in the history of modern North American sports and a civil rights pioneer. And nobody ever talked about that! I wonder if that bothers Russ, too.

Really?  Because what always bothered me is that LeBron really switched from #23 to #6 because Jordan's number was retired in Miami.  He knew at least half a year in advance that he, Bosh, and Wade were teaming up, but still wanted all his fans in Cleveland to buy new #6 jerseys.

That AND he dissed Russell and Dr J.

[aporel#18]

Bill Russell is the GOAT at every level. He not only won, but he won against Wilt Chamberlain, he won every year and he made his teammates better.

He's a class act, an example both on and off the court, and he has a great basketball mind.

No matter what ESPN, Stern, Nike et al are trying to push down our throats, Russ is the man. It's a privilege to be a Celtic fan for great men like him.

Go Celtics!

[317]

Sounds like Bill was a little miffed to not be included.  But that's a pretty amazing speech to give.  Glad to see Bill's still got that competitive fire.  You just know he was thinking "if we were the same age I'd've buried you too".

It's always bothered me that LeBron switched from No. 23 as a way to honor Jordan—but he switched to No. 6, which belongs to the greatest winner in the history of modern North American sports and a civil rights pioneer. And nobody ever talked about that! I wonder if that bothers Russ, too.

Not to mention Dr. J.

back when he changed numbers he said he was doing it to honor Dr. J. so there is that, never mind that Dr. J probably wore #6 to honor Russel. its important to remember Dr. J went to UMASS during the end of Russel's carrier and grew up during the 8 year streak.

[footey]

To be fair, Lebron did put Larry Bird in his top 5. So he isn't that crazy!

(So did Kobe).

Interesting to see Bird's status stand the test of time; perhaps even grow a notch.

[Moranis]

Sounds like Bill was a little miffed to not be included.  But that's a pretty amazing speech to give.  Glad to see Bill's still got that competitive fire.  You just know he was thinking "if we were the same age I'd've buried you too".

It's always bothered me that LeBron switched from No. 23 as a way to honor Jordan—but he switched to No. 6, which belongs to the greatest winner in the history of modern North American sports and a civil rights pioneer. And nobody ever talked about that! I wonder if that bothers Russ, too.

Really?  Because what always bothered me is that LeBron really switched from #23 to #6 because Jordan's number was retired in Miami.  He knew at least half a year in advance that he, Bosh, and Wade were teaming up, but still wanted all his fans in Cleveland to buy new #6 jerseys.

That AND he dissed Russell and Dr J.

there weren't Lebron James Cleveland #6 jerseys (except practice jerseys)

And apparently you have no idea why he changed to #6 if you actually believe that last part.

[Snakehead]

A 4 player list is so arbitrary... and all this over a stupid tourist trap in South freaking Dakota.

But if you have this dumb list, Russell is pretty much the only player that 100% has to be on the list.

[cman88]

Lebron is an @$$ to say he will be a "top 4 player of all time" and leave russell off the list. pleease...I would put Kobe over him at this point 5 rings >> 2

no matter how much ESPN wants to spin it, and play on our short memories, there were ALOT of great players in this league since its inception.

[get_banners]

This is why the only NBA jersey I own is #6 from Boston. Lebron needs to learn some history. The "switching from 23" crap always p---ed me off, not so much for the business aspect (which is what it was), but for a complete lack of ignorance about Russell, who had 100x the positive impact in the world as Jordan (who is a horrible person).