Jerry West Tells a Bill Russell Story...

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/ @nbahistoryclns -~-
The Los Angeles Lakers stake fair claim to the NBA's first super team. Sports goliath, Wilt Chamberlain was traded to the Lakers, teaming up with Elgin Baylor and Jerry West, giving LAL the moniker of the Association's first "super team."
Today, NBA Legend Jerry West explains what went right and what went wrong for the team that won an NBA title in 1970 vs the New York Knicks. Consisting off all-league superstars, the Lakers were absolutely STACKED from the late 60's until Chamberlain and West joined Baylor in retirement, winning 2 titles. Worth noting, the Los Angeles won their first titles AFTER Russell had hung up his tennis shoes and the Celtics dynasty had officially ended.
In Michael Cooper's Showtime podcast releases and 2-part series from his brand new interview (2-parts) with Jerry West. The architect of the Showtime and Kobe/Shaq LA Lakers, Jerry West explains so much about his life, his hatred for anything green, Celtics fan and, most interesting to me, Jerry West feelings on who is GOAT.
Though West fell short of saying that Bill Russell is the all-time NBA GOAT, he does say that no one won more than Russell and explains, in-detail what made him such an intimidating force.
#LakeShow #NBAHistory

[@NBAHistoryCLNS]

If you enjoyed today’s segment, you’ll love the full version of the Jerry West 2 part convo here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3XUl62pl9-if8k

[@lloydkline1518]

❤️ oldie NBA basketball 1950s/ 1960s / 1970s & jerry west

[@dusk6159]

West and Cooper, two classics, is a great match! West can also be considered a classic involved for 50 years and some, considering his work from player up to GM.

[@snelson0929]

Russell is someone who would be a star in any era of the game.

[@oldsensei8350]

Of course

[@4orrcountry]

When the Lakers honored Jerry West upon his retirement, Bill Russell showed up, unannounced, and walked out on the floor and gave Jerry a big hug. A true show of respect from #6 to #44.

[@1stshepherd]

👍🏼

[@arautus]

Unfortunately for Jerry West, he was often the only Laker that was playing great. He is the only player in NBA history that won the Finals MVP on a losing team. This was in the 1969 NBA finals vs Russell's Celtics. Jerry Statistics: (37.9 / 4.7 / 7.4) West would be great in any era of basketball.

[@ralphmelvin1046]

I never knew that I wish I could see that on film

[@BoosterGoldEarth6]

Man get the heck out of here with that BS. Jerry West was the only Laker playing great narrative. The man wouldn't Pass the ball to none of his teammates then expect them to show up. Let not act as if Elgin Baylor wasn't on his team. Jerry was the reason they lost as well some games.

[@randysandberg5615]

When West speaks, I listen. I value his opinion. He's seen it all.

[@dimedropperpod]

same, could hear him talk all day

[@lloydkline1518]

Jerry west another red auerbach as general manager

[@billwilson2025]

Basketball genius

[@edfewchas3255]

Jerry is the logo for a reason: a great player and a great man. Class. Today's players should take note.

[@wilrobles5392]

Russell could turn a game around with his defense. He was amazing.

[@clevisbernier8973]

Bill Russell's running ability is underrated. He'd be the best runner in the NBA today by far.

[@rileymrr1]

He had tremendous foot speed and quickness.

[@kingofla2155]

But lebron could beat usain bolt in a race lol just joking

[@kenneth7826]

Bill was a track star

[@wills2140]

r. i. p. Mr Bill Russell

[@kenneth7826]

@@wills2140 agreed

[@mrmaxxx94]

Jerry west and Michael Cooper respect to respect, Bill Russell is timeless and did it all

[@1stshepherd]

When Jerry speaks, listen! And can't say enough about Bill Russell. Eleven championships in thirteen years. WoW! 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@steverenom.299]

Plus an Olympic Gold Medal. Two NCAA Championships (when Freshmen were ineligible), so that's two out of three, and two high school state championships in California. Think he knew how to win? Lol. The true GOAT.

[@1stshepherd]

@@steverenom.299 👍🏼

[@angelorollo3350]

One great gentleman talking about another great gentleman! All time greats!

[@collinf4228]

“Red and Me” is a good book about Russell’s friendship with Auerbach for anyone interested in learning more. Excellent read!

[@rudvy1]

Bill Russell is the only player I’ve seen that could block the ball to a teammate or to himself on a consistent bases!

[@majormarketing6552]

Because he was smarter than EVERYONE

[@matthewbartke4424]

Yeah, why knock everything out of bounds when you could have the ball yourself. A lot of people do that to look cool, but it isn't what is best for the team.

[@Amick44]

Walton could do it too. But Russell is Russell.

[@truth.74]

Yea, Russell never blocked shots out of bounds.

[@anadvocate7310]

@@Amick44 Walton to learn that from MastaMind Bill

[@shackdaddy7106]

Bill Russell not only had 11 NBA championships, he also had two NCAA championships at the University of San Francisco and an Olympic gold medal. The last two of the NBA championships he was player coach of the Celtics. To sum it up, the greatest winner in the history of American team sports.

[@keithsmith4780]

Joe DiMaggio is close: in 13 seasons he was in 10 World Series and won 9. For a lot of Russell's career there were only eight teams in the NBA but sixteen in MLB. You might say that made it harder for DiMaggio because he had to beat more teams. You might say it made it harder for Russell because the talent was more concentrated.

[@shackdaddy7106]

@@keithsmith4780 When DiMaggio played major league baseball did have 16 teams but the American League only had eight teams. Counting the World Series the Yankees had to beat out eight other teams every year. As you probably know, there was no interleague play between the leagues during the regular season. Yogi Barra played on 10 World Series championship teams which is more than anybody in baseball history. In fact when Russell played the NBA expanded from 8 to 14 teams. And Russell had to play them all every year. The only other major team professional athlete that won 11 championships was Henri Richard of the Montréal Canadiens. Bottom line: DiMaggio is close but not as close as you think.

[@veniljackson47]

@@keithsmith4780 Winning a World Series is the hardest championship to win let alone repeat in sports

[@kenneth7826]

@@veniljackson47 they are all difficult regardless of sport.....

[@kenneth7826]

@@shackdaddy7106 good points...yogi won 10 including 5 against those great Brooklyn Dodgers teams ....not easy...joe D was one of the greatest of the greats but Yogi 's 10....WOW!!!!

[@charliebecknell9830]

Jerry West was a fabulous player and is one of the classiest people I've ever heard. Always compliments others. I've never heard anyone disparage him. Anyone who doesn't believe Jerry or Oscar would not be stars today is either ignorant or just plain stupid. Bill Russell had the heart of a lion and certainly could be a great player in any era.

[@rolexmarcelo3218]

Wonderful recollection! This interview is mint. Jerry West is a reason why Bill Russell is the GOAT.

[@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403]

Bill Russell isn't the GOAT. That's Michael Jordan. * There were only 9 NBA teams for a lot of the time Russell played and 5 of them had losing records. So there was very little competition. * Most importantly, there was no free agency until 1973. So if you had a bad team, it was nearly impossible to improve it. Think of Serena Williams playing Maria Sharapova. 8 times out of 10, Serena is going to win and there's nothing Maria can do to improve the situation. * Russell played with nothing but HOFers. * Offensively, Bill Russell was actually not very good. He was a putrid free throw shooter. His shooting percentage, especially for a big man, was simply terrible. He never once shot 50% from the field. Again, he was a BIG MAN who never once shot 50% from the field. Yes, I've read all of the stories on how desperately he wanted to win and how he'd get so stressed before games that he'd go throw up. But he wouldn't even make my top 5. Players I put ahead of Russell: MJ, LeBron, Kareem, Wilt, Magic, Bird. Russell is #7 for me.

[@43msd]

@@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403 you are so clueless. You can put whoever you want in front of him. Are they better than Wilt, because he beat a young Kareem when he was old. All your rule changes to make scoring easier, and the records are still owned by Bill’s era. All the guys you named are to slow to play against Bill period. 😂🤣

[@youngblood4127]

I got Bill 2nd all time. Simply put. There’s a lot of data out there now on his skill set, competition and dominance with overrated help. He would dominate in any era. But Jordan is the goat.

[@georgeoshust793]

@@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403 KAREEM IS THE GOAT!!

[@43msd]

@@youngblood4127 way to research 🧐. You know Bill told Jordan to his face, that he was good enough to come off his bench. He thought that was a compliment.😂🤣

[@RaysDad]

Jerry West was a great basketball player, and then he was a great basketball executive. He knows as much about the game as anyone possibly could.

[@dimmykarras9287]

A true legend. Yes. A humble man, too.

[@dandyer2616]

Jerry West was everything to me as a basketball player and a man...l had a healthy hate for the Celtics then, but could not help but admire the amazing talent. Two very classy gentlemen indeed

[@casualfandestroyer2503]

This was awesome. Thanks for the upload

[@NBAHistoryCLNS]

Thank you. Be sure to subscribe and check out full interview w Jerry. Part 2 releasing in next few days

[@stevefowler2112]

Love hearing Jerry West talk about those days...I was a huge NFL fan as a boy growing up in Florida in the 60's and 70's but I knew quality and elite athleticism when I saw it on the court and though the Celtics were my favorite NBA team, the Lakers always had my respect.

[@ChristiaanHartNibbrig]

Wow... Two great Lakers legends. Jerry West was one of the greatest guards in history; great shooter, passer, defender. I watched him as a kid, and he was one of the top three guards in the league for more than a decades. Coop was one of the greatest defensive guards and clutch players who ever lived. This interview was a delight. Thanks for posting.

[@natalliaf6387]

Asked to named the greatest defender he ever played against, Larry Bird said Michael Cooper.

[@yossarianmnichols9641]

Michael Cooper was a tremendous defensive player. I loved to watch him guard Jordan.

[@dimmykarras9287]

Underrated great player.

[@billystauber8890]

Micheal Cooper , the guy who doesn’t get enough credit for the 80’s Lakers , hit three’s and was their lockdown defender . I’m my opinion his roll was what made those Lakers great .

[@NBAHistoryCLNS]

Epitomized Lakers (and Celtics) basketball. He breezes through from time to time. I’ll point out your comment. It’s spot on. :)

[@teofemo7000]

They certainly needed his defense, speed, versatility and toughness. Cooper was the heart of that team.

[@billystauber8890]

@@teofemo7000 I can’t remember the game. Cooper ran down a loose ball with just pure hustle against the Celtics . It just changed the complexion of the game and LA went in to win. I don’t think anyone ever guarded Bird better than he did .

[@teofemo7000]

@@billystauber8890 I hope he gets in the Hall of Fame next year. He was on the ballot this past year.

[@billystauber8890]

@@teofemo7000 He should be in the hall in my opinion. Cooper is getting this praise from a Celtic fan .

[@elmiguel6725]

Bill Russell will never get te credit he deserves, the things he did so well that make a difference have no stats like points per game etc. Yes rebounds and blocked shots, but not the intimidation and raw defense.

[@wills2140]

r. i. p. Mr Bill Russell ,may his memory be a blessing.

[@johnnoone4323]

I am an LA Lakers fan who remembers those battles against the Boston Celtics in the 1960's too well. I am not thrilled about everything Bill Russell has ever said. But Bill Russell being on a championship team for really 11 of 12 (not 13) years shows the winner of the NBA Championship should receive the "Bill Russell" trophy. Bill Russell was the "champion."

[@chrisgovatsos9421]

Bill Russell is my favorite player and I think of him as the goat, fantastic time listening to the games and getting to watch them on tv and in the gardem

[@LorolinAstori]

Good analysis on Russell by one of the people that know the most

[@jordanrioscreations]

Look up those pictures of Bill Russell, they’re incredible, MJ and LeBron-like type athleticism

[@mitchelll3879]

The closest I had seen to Russell was Patrick Ewing as a freshman at Georgetown..he played with a vengeance at the rim that was exciting to see..and he never was that intense again

[@0rionknight636]

As a Celtics fan, two of the classiest opponents you could hope for

[@michaelluna1968]

enjoyed this interview..

[@gregrhodes565]

West “always” looks so intense when I watch film ...

[@PInk77W1]

Bill Russell was right before my time. I remember from 1972 on

[@oldschoolruler]

Gentlemen, this is a refreshing exchange. I'd like to add, Russell also won State titles in HS, (McClymonds, CA) and back to back titles in the NCAA with that powerhouse program at USF, (sarcasm), that never won before him or after. AND then won a Gold medal in The Olympics before his rookie year at Boston. I wonder where all those 'Hall of Famers' were then? Hmmm... Bottom line. Not counting HS, he won 14 major titles in 15 years. He won coming in and going out. I'll let you decide if he's the best ever. Some one may play as well... but I've not seen ANYONE who is 'better'.

[@carnageassassin2617]

Highschool and college dont mean shit bro

[@Amick44]

@@carnageassassin2617 tell that to Kareem backers, who keep bringing up HS. HS a joke.

[@oldschoolruler]

HS and College generally 'don't mean shit' to those that can't/ never did play. (NBA2K don't count). All levels of the game are age appropriate and relevant to the conversation when discussing a player's total career. But those that ride the short bus and are restricted to the shallow end of the pool don't understand that...bro

[@Amick44]

@@oldschoolruler but HS can't compare to college. Just as college can't rate with pros. You have to judge by highest level.

[@Kriptiko]

After watching the first episode of Winning Time I would not DARE ask Jerry a damn thing about the Celtics

[@NBAHistoryCLNS]

Winning Time highly fabricated. It’s well known Jerry had become jaded but that show depicts him as a reckless, vulgar, useless, spoiled man similar to Rick Barry, not the gentleman Jerry West. His temper is well known in small circles

[@Kriptiko]

@@NBAHistoryCLNS cool

[@JulioLeonFandinho]

@@NBAHistoryCLNS It's a fictional show, you know that, right? apart from that, what's up with attacking Rick Barry out of nowhere?

[@sundromos9456]

You were duped. Time for a reality check in.

[@sundromos9456]

Most people these days learn their history from fictional shows. You do know that don’t you?

[@southwest1988]

Bill Russell’s defense was the beginning of high runnin n gunnin fastbreaking a track star will simply our run out pace any center any team the greatest 11 championships wow

[@HandsomeBoyGarion]

Rest In Peace bill russell

[@barryrichman2874]

The great Willis Reed died today @ 80. RIP Legend.

[@jerrywest3047]

Simply put, By 1967 there were 17 teams in the league compared to 23 teams in the 80’s era… This means that only the best of the best actually played.. (A Super league) Finally, His methods and style of play produced 11 championships in 13 years against the best and toughest competition… Celtics dominated an entire decade… Bill Russell was their superstar and leader… Jordan’s and LBJ’s acomplishments pale in comparison to Bill Russell’s…..

[@majormarketing6552]

Even the lesser competition argument fails because nobody can name one guy to do the same thing in any league or sport in any level of competition

[@DrJohnnyJ]

In 1967 there were nine or 10 teams. The only expansion team was Chicago.

[@machstarfox]

Bes of the best, gtfo of here

[@markalanisraeliteschool]

I'm starting to believe the great Bill Russell is the greatest basketball player. "Starting"

[@josephkelley8641]

We knew Jerry for a minute up at Camp Woodbrook, director Roy Spears. We were collegiate basketball counselors - six of us - we even got to get our-asses-handed-to-us-by-Mr. Clutch. Jerry actually handed me the ball in a 3 on 3 game (college/pro's), said: "15, Winners, Bring Everything Back," which was funny to me. We'd been saying that to each other on the playgrounds for x amount of years. But to hear it come out of Jerry's mouth and with that Southern ACCENT of Jerry's! So funny laugh just thinking about it.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

The first Lakers superteam was mostly a one-man show. George Mikan. The CELTICS were more of a superteam before Wilt went to LA.

[@bigcolt5256]

"if you didn't see him, you better be looking to pass the ball."

[@clemfarley7257]

Great interview. My dad always said Russell was the best. Jerry explains why. Most of why will never appear on the back of a basketball card. You had to have watched the games. Or played them like Jerry to know.

[@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403]

The best what? Ever? No! Not even close. Offensively, he was actually below average. He averaged in the 15-18 point area and shot a very bad percentage, especially remembering that he was a big man. He never once shot 50% and was a putrid free throw shooter. I don't want to dump on him. He's certainly an all time great. But for me, MJ, LeBron, Kareem, Magic, Bird and Wilt are ahead of Russell. For example, if you put Bill Russell in today's game, he'd be maybe Rudy Golbert. You put, for example, MJ in that era? Hell, yo put MJ in ANY era other than the one he played in and his scoring average goes up 10 points.

[@43msd]

@@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403 no one playing today can do what he did. He made the whole league play faster just to keep pace with him. As soon as he retired they slowed back down, and never have played at that pace again. He was fast, quick, only Wilt could jump with him ever, best conditioned athlete ever and could play all 5 positions. Head to head against Wilt he was 8 to 1. When Wilt set the rebound record, Bill held him to a little over 30% shooting. He scored over 15 points while Bill was sitting out the rest of the game. That means his percentage was actually lower. Who the hell playing today that is better than Wilt? 😂🤣

[@markpagtama7954]

@@43msd first of all hes not the only guy to stop wilt, willis reed held him to 5 points and nate thurmond held him to 10 points all in the finals, the dude is overrated as fuck. Second of all, the boston offence of transition isnt amazing, it was literally just throwing a transition pass from a rebound, red auerbach is famous for not having that much set plays. Bill wasnt the one running he was the one throwing the transition pass. When the shot clock was introduced in the 50s, the main guy who changed bball was bob cousy and red auerbach because back then transition offense was unheard of lmao. Last point, the game didnt immediately slow down in the 70s, it gradually slowed down over time as set offenses became more popular. More people can handle the ball, more people can pass the easier for the coach to call set plays, unlike in the 50s and 60s. And the 80s was still fast, not 60s fast but still, up until it really slowed down in after 96.

[@43msd]

@@markpagtama7954 crap.😂 It slowed immediately, then Wilt retired and it went back to pre Bill the next season. You better watch the the NBA movie film on the Minneapolis Lakers. They have always ran set plays, even with George Mikan introducing the fast break. Pro basketball started in 1935-36. It was 20 years old and well established before Bill joined. Bob Cousy and Red was already there, and never even made the finals, but they were so great. They would have never won anything if it wasn’t for Bill. So none of them won’t even be in the Hall of Fame. As for Nate and Willis, not only was Wilt old coming off knee surgeries. He was told not to score . They wanted him to play like Bill, so they could feature Jerry West. This is well documented. Nate was Wilts teammate when he was in his prime. He credited Wilt for helping him, but he had to wait until he left. He said he was just to in awe of him. Jerry West would never have won a ring if not for Wilt taking over that finals series. Don’t try to downplay Wilt to undercut Bill. All the centers were outstanding back then, but Bill was above them all. Oh yeah. Bill did bring the ball down a lot.😂🤣

[@markpagtama7954]

@@43msd red auerbach didnt coach the lakers, the fast break was introduced in 54 because they introduced the shot clock. And mikan was the reason they changed the rule, mfker really held the ball for too long.

[@tommcconville4270]

Jerry West was one of my favorite players all time in the NBA. I wish he could have played for the Knicks.

[@arthurbarber7546]

He wishes he could have played for the Celtics

[@dimmykarras9287]

@@arthurbarber7546 I don't think so. Although the Celtics dominated the era, Jerry West was a key franchise player who helped build the Celtics' greatest rival and create a successful culture. In my opinion he was the greatest Laker of all time. Not on paper but in influence.

[@yourontheair]

class

[@globalliferecordstv7134]

Bill Russle King Of Rings 💍 💍 💍💍💍💍💍💍💍💍💍 #NBA R.I.P. Legend #BostonCelticsGreatestPlayerOfAllTime

[@CRUISERJ1]

On a funny side note, for Lakers fans and Celtic fans, I love sharing this little unknown comment from the late great K.C. Jones. As for me I am a little biased in my perspective for good reason. My father attended College at the University of SanFrancisco from 1952 - 1956, and of course was a team mate of Bills on the Freshman Basketball Team and then had remained a good friend through the years with K.C. On one occasion I can remember my father during dinner with K.C. asking him if he has read Pat Riley's new book that was out , I believe it was called "Riley's Rules". K.C. said that he had glanced at it once while in a bookstore during a flight while passing through the airport. He commented; "if he himself could have accomplished just half of what Riley's Rules where in his book, he'd be able to walk on water" Lol. It's for me always going to be the two most influential people who ever played, coached, or were involved in the NBA or basketball for that matter in the history of the sport. Their success rate was incredible if winning was the goal. Combined these two men won 55 or 60 games in a row in College, winning back to back NCAA titles, and then a Gold Medal each, and an unprecedented 23 NBA rings. They were champions at all levels of the sport. Bill later as a commentator, a GM, as was K.C. who also helped coach in the WNBA, and some smaller East coast colleges. The NBA has recognized K.C. Jones as being #5 on the list as an all time NBA Coach. Both have several honors and were both looked upon off the courts as great individuals. Of course I have a bias, but if considering just two people who shared so much , and were so different in personalities. One could certainly make an interesting movie on how these two came from different backgrounds to join together as team mates in College, Olympics, and then the NBA to reach the top several times. And then to extend these accomplishments as individuals is quite remarkable.

[@jordanrioscreations]

Don Nelson’s shot still amazing until this day.

[@dwightlove3704]

Fun Fact Bill Russell is a Louisiana Native

[@robertjohnson8938]

GOAT

[@bobdavis3357]

COOP A LOOP! One of the greatest defenders in NBA history. He just had a hard time locking down that white boy, Bird

[@hairjordan2620]

The announcer called him a winter coat lol

[@mja91352]

The NBA's first "super team" was the Bill Russell Celtics. Count the number of Hall of Famers.

[@anthonylandino7709]

Gotta love green!!!!!!!!

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

1:00 Worse yet. The trade involved a multi-time ALL STAR and another future HOF member - just for the right to DRAFT Russell - plus some other considerations. And to this day, it's considered a LOPSIDED TRADE in favor of the Celtics!

[@stevesheldon8616]

Bill Russell didn't care about personal stats. Wilt did.

[@SL-vi4tk]

If the Celtics really needed Russell to score, he would've developed a stronger offensive game - while still defensively dominating you

[@kevingumfory]

West: boy I hate green. Cooper: me too jerry. Me too. Me: I werent very fond of you either Mr Cooper!

[@bionicbigfoot]

Coop was great

[@brandonmorris92]

Jerry looks pissed off in the Thumbnail.

[@Mikep487]

West couldn't call Russell the GOAT because he wasn't the complete player that others like Chamberlain were. And the Celtics had many defensive stars, not just Russell. West doesn't give the other players enough credit.

[@jordanverbeek5121]

Among all that Jerry said, what made the Celtics so good was two things they literally lucked into. 1. Red Auerbach was available at the right place, right time. He installed a physicality in the team that meant they were conditioned every year, which was unheard of at the time. 2. Bill Russell. He was Bill Russell. Enough said.

[@juniorjohnson9509]

Jerry hated the Celtics so much that after he retired he refused to go to any games at the Boston Garden.

[@amihogatai8432]

all this talk of players with high iq. in my opinion nill russell he was the king of high iq players. he invented high iq basketball. on top of that nobody comes close to what he did for social justice and equality for "black" players. rest in eternal peace, mr russell.

[@jameskerry41]

I sat through the whole video and didn't hear a BR story

[@thomaskline]

Clean your ears.

[@Nagy50Magyar]

Michael Cooper has a bad swelling on his left cheek. I hope it is not due to serious injury.

[@arthurbarber7546]

Nice to speak of Boston's racial tensions but they never had a Watts.

[@thomaskline]

Frank Ramsey wasn’t half bad either!

[@alfonsecoppola5938]

russell and 4 guards on the floor in playoffs and russell would still dominate the boards

[@edhorton2766]

Wilt once had 55 rebounds in a game against Bill and the Celtics. If you put them together in a frontline ....

[@johnthonig8832]

LJ would get destroyed

[@andrethegiant2877]

What? Why?

[@patek9789]

Bill russel always hade a super team

[@eternalboss1046]

Allow me to educate you: The Celtics the year before Russell arrived (55/56): Lost E. Div. Semis. Red was coach, and they had Cousy + Sharman + McCauley + Risen. The Celtics the 1st year Russell arrived (56/57): They lose McCauley, Defensive rating improves by 7.7, and they win the finals. The Celtics had never won a title or made a finals prior to this. The Celtics the 2nd year with Russell (57/58): Make the finals, Russell gets hurt in game 3 of the finals, and the Celtics lose the finals. Risen's last year. Sam Jones first year. The Celtics 8 peat (58/59 to 65/66). Throughout this time Sharman leaves and they keep winning. Havlicek yet to arrive for some of these titles, and Cousy gone for some of them and they still win. Red retires as coach in 66. The Celtics 11th year with Russell (66/67): They Lost E. Div. Finals. This marks the only playoff series in Russell's NBA career that his team lost with him healthy for the full series. The Celtics win the title Russell’s last 2 years (67/68 and 68/69) and Red was no longer the coach. The first year after Russell retires: Their defensive rating gets worse by 9.8 and they miss the playoffs. Celtics with Russell titles won without notable pieces: Without Jones: 1 title Without Sharman: 7 titles Without Cousy: 5 titles Without Risen: 9 titles Without Havlicek: 6 titles Without Heinsohn: 3 titles Without coach Red: 2 titles (Russell was actually the coach for these while still being a player) The Celtics were not champions before Russell, were as soon as he arrived, and fell off immediately after Russell left. This was also with a lot of notables coming and going. Jones and Red were the only most of career major pieces with Russell and the Celtics still managed titles without them in the small windows without them. The Celtics employed more of an equal opportunity offense without having 1 player taking a massive amount of shots or having high PPG. Regardless if offensive talents came or left they kept racking up rings with Russell anchoring the defense and facilitating the fast break, being a secondary coach to Red on the floor, and then for the last 2 rings being the actual coach. Russell was the main common denominator for why those teams were super.

[@PoliticusRex632]

During Russell's 13 seasons his teammates combined for 27 All Star selections which was the league average. They were just a better team, not a more talented team.

[@eternalboss1046]

@@PoliticusRex632 True. I don't diminish what Russell's teammates brought to the table but the fact is that many players left / arrived / changed on that team around Russell and they kept up their winning regardless. The evidence showed that the only specific all star the 60s Celtics required to keep taking rings was Russell, while the others could be replaced as long as he was there. The Celtics win-loss when Russell missed games in is career also alludes to that. I don't think most fans quite understand the impact on winning that Russell provided back then. They just go "oh he played with hall of famers so super team and it does not count" which is nonsense to me.

[@PoliticusRex632]

@@eternalboss1046 that was my point as well.

[@NBAHistoryCLNS]

Their were 8 teams. Every team was a super team 😆

[@sweetmapleleafs]

Russell may have won 11, but he also lost 1.

[@OldSchool3pts]

Too bad he hurt his foot that Finals oh and Bob Pettit's 50pt game lol

[@43msd]

@@OldSchool3pts then he won 8 in a row.😂🤣

[@oldschoolruler]

@@OldSchool3pts and Boston was ahead 2-1 in the Finals when he got hurt.

[@Amick44]

Interesting fact. Each time he lost, St Louis Hawks, Phila 76ers, Alex Hannum was the head coach!

[@43msd]

@@Amick44 you’re right, but he got injured against the Hawks. Celtics were winning easily, until he left the series. When he lost to the 76ers it was his ego. First year as a head coach, and he chose no staff. He did everything. He said he had no idea how hard it was. Next year same team and they had an awesome season. Record setting until Bill had seen enough. 😂🤣

[@alberg6290]

Jerry------just like his portrayal on the Rise of the Lakers show------NOT