Former Boston Celtic Bill Russell is reportedly doing fine after a collapse at a speaking engagement in Lake Tahoe last Thursday. He scared friends and family, and was rushed to the hospital. Although he is in better condition, it was a close call for the 80-year old legend.
Stephen Curry, point guard for the Golden State Warriors, and an ambassador for the sport, can easily identify with Russell. Both are respected and regarded as class acts.
Curry, who was in attendance at the conference, had this to say about Russell (via USA Today):
"He's a legend, a pioneer of the game. I'm fortunate enough to have met him. The impact he's had during his career and now as an ambassador of the league . . . Hopefully he's all right. He's meant a lot to the game and definitely solidified himself in history."
Though he is 80, Russell has been hard at work recently by the league. Hopefully he can continue to make high profile appearances (via CBS Sports):
"Russell has been more active and in the public eye over the last five or six years with the NBA making a concerted effort to have him present the NBA Finals MVP trophy. He's the greatest winner in NBA history as the centerpiece of 11 championships in 13 seasons. He won five MVP awards and is the second all-time leading rebounder. He's been a player, coach, announcer and ambassador in the NBA for almost 60 years."
Russell, a Boston Celtic during their dominant reign in the 50's and 60's, was a huge part of that success. The 6"9' center ruled the paint during that time and built them into one of the most impressive dynasties of all time.
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