Warriors respond to death of Bill Russell: ‘Trailblazer. Icon. Greatest champ in basketball’

Bill Russell, a towering figure in the NBA and in American sports history, died at 88 on Sunday, his family announced. In addition to his 11 NBA titles and pioneering activism in Boston, Russell was also a Bay Area legend. He moved to Oakland as a child and went to McClymonds High School before a dominant college career at the University of San Francisco. Two current Warriors — Steph Curry and Andre Iguodala  — have won the NBA Finals MVP award that is named after Russell. 

They were among many in the NBA and the broader sports world who paid their respects to Russell after news of his death.

Current Warriors

Steph Curry: “Trailblazer. Icon. Greatest Champ in basketball. Made the world on and off the court a better place. Thank you and rest easy! 11.”

Klay Thompson (via Instagram stories): “RIP to the goat. It’s a sad day for hoop fans worldwide. He was the greatest champion of them all and Oakland’s very own. Thank you for paving the way Mr. Russell.”

Andre Iguodala: “Reverence… Thank you Bill Russell.”

Kevon Looney (via Instagram stories): “RIP Bill Russell.”

Coaches, executives, former players

Steve Kerr: “What a sad day today to hear of Bill’s passing at the age of 88, especially for those of us in the Bay Area. Bill was a McClymonds High grad, a two-time NCAA champion at USF and, of course, the greatest NBA champion of all time with the Boston Celtics.

“But Bill’s life meant so much more than just his exploits on the court, as we all know. He was an incredible voice in the fight for an equal and just society. And during a time where it was very difficult for athletes to speak up, Bill Russell was fearless in his quest to ask for and to demand social justice for African American people around this country and around the world.

“Bill has always been somebody who the entire NBA has looked up to and revered. Today is a day to celebrate his incredible life and mourn his passing, and also send our thoughts to his family. Bill Russell, from the Warriors organization, rest in peace. You were an amazing man.”

Rick Barry: “So sad to lose a friend, broadcasting partner and one of the greatest players in the history of the NBA. RIP Bill Russell.”

Baron Davis: “You are loved, appreciated, honored, true pioneer, the greatest overall for all you stood for. Stood against and the doors that now fly open for us is a result of your Journey. May God Bless your family. And may the angels rejoice!!! Thank you Legend.”

Iguodala received the 2015 Finals MVP from Russell.

MediaNews Group/Bay Area News vi/MediaNews Group via Getty Images

Shaun Livingston: “R.I.P. to the Legend Bill Russell. A pioneer to generations!”

Rick Welts: “Basketball has lost the greatest champion in the history of the game and I’ve lost a friend.

“That most unlikely of friendships started almost 50 years ago, in 1973, when he became coach of the Seattle SuperSonics and I was working part-time in the media relations department while attending college. Whenever we would speak, he didn’t miss the chance to call me “white boy down the hall” followed by his trademark laugh. He was such a genuine and supportive friend.

“He honored my request for him to be on stage with me during my Hall of Fame induction in 2018. I’m forever touched and grateful.

“I already miss his laugh, but his dignity, strength and advocacy for social justice leave a legacy to admire and celebrate. My heart goes out to his wife, Jeannine, and his kids.”

Golden State Warriors organization: “Bill Russell, who spent many of his formative years in the Bay Area, was a true giant in the game of basketball, and more importantly, in the game of life. His championship resume, which included multiple State titles at McClymonds High School in Oakland, two NCAA championships at the University of San Francisco and a record 11 NBA titles with the Boston Celtics, might never be duplicated and solidifies his position as one of sports’ ultimate winners.

University of San Francisco basketball player Bill Russell is shown, Feb. 23, 1956.

AP

“But, while the accolades on the court were immense, it was his overall impact as a pioneer on multiple levels that will leave the greatest legacy from his iconic life and career.

“From becoming the first Black head coach in NBA history to his never-ending advocacy for civil rights, equality and social justice, Mr. Russell’s reach stretched far and wide, and his tireless efforts in these spaces continued long after his playing career ended. Appropriately, the league’s annual NBA Finals MVP Award, which was named in his honor in 2009, signifies how valuable his contributions were to the game we love and the important groundwork that he laid for future generations.

“On behalf of the Warriors, we offer our sincere condolences to his wife, Jeannine, his family and countless friends.”