Boston Celtics honored Bill Russell with a permanent statue as the greatest center of all time and…

Boston Celtics honored Bill Russell with a permanent statue as the greatest center of all time and…

Boston Celtics Honor Bill Russell with Permanent Statue, Cementing His Legacy as the Greatest Center of All Time

Boston, MA – September 16, 2025 — In a powerful tribute to a basketball legend, the Boston Celtics have unveiled a permanent statue of Bill Russell outside TD Garden, forever honoring the man many consider the greatest center—and winner—in NBA history.

The ceremony, attended by Russell’s family, former teammates, NBA legends, and thousands of fans, marked a historic moment for the franchise and the city. The statue stands as a symbol not only of Russell’s basketball dominance but also of his profound impact on civil rights and leadership both on and off the court.

A Legacy of Championships and Character

Bill Russell’s accolades remain unparalleled. Over his 13-season career with the Celtics (1956–1969), he captured 11 NBA championships, including an incredible eight in a row from 1959 to 1966. He was a five-time league MVP, a 12-time All-Star, and the cornerstone of one of the greatest dynasties in professional sports.

More than stats and banners, Russell defined what it meant to be a teammate and a leader. Known for his defensive brilliance, relentless rebounding, and unshakeable will to win, he elevated everyone around him. Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens said during the unveiling, “Bill Russell didn’t just play the game. He transformed it. And he led with dignity, courage, and purpose.”

More Than a Basketball Legend

Beyond basketball, Russell was a fierce advocate for racial equality. In the 1960s, he marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., spoke out against segregation, and stood firm in the face of discrimination—even as he brought championship after championship to Boston.

The statue, designed by renowned sculptor Thomas Edwards, features Russell mid-rebound—symbolic of his relentless pursuit of excellence and justice. At its base are etched some of Russell’s most enduring quotes, including, “Commitment separates those who live their dreams from those who live their lives regretting the opportunities they have squandered.”

A Fitting Honor in the Heart of Boston

Mayor Michelle Wu, who spoke at the ceremony, called the statue “a gift to the city, and a reminder of what it means to stand for something bigger than yourself.” Celtics legend Paul Pierce, also in attendance, added, “There would be no Celtics legacy without Bill Russell. He built the foundation—on the court, in the locker room, and in the fight for equality.”

The statue joins the growing list of tributes to Russell, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 88. In 2023, the NBA permanently retired his No. 6 league-wide, a first in professional basketball.

Immortalized in Bronze, Forever in History

The Celtics’ decision to immortalize Russell at the entrance of TD Garden ensures that generations to come will know his name—not just as a basketball player, but as a symbol of excellence, integrity, and change.

In a city once divided, Bill Russell’s statue now stands tall—unifying, inspiring, and reminding all who pass by: greatness isn’t just about how many championships you win, but how many lives you uplift along the way.