With a near triple-double average and unmatched consistency, the Denver Nuggets superstar continues to redefine what’s possible at the center position. In a recent appearance on Vlad TV, Arenas revealed that if he were to update his list of the five greatest centers in NBA history, he would remove 11-time champion Bill Russell — and insert Nikola Jokic in his place.

“For Jokic? I’m knocking off Bill Russell,” Arenas said. “Let’s just be honest — he played in the ’60s? Yeah, so there were, what, six, seven Black players in the league at that time.”

Arenas‘ logic centers on context. Russell dominated in his era, no question — his Celtics reigned supreme. But Arenas argues that the level of competition and athleticism in Russell’s time simply doesn’t compare to the modern NBA, where Jokić thrives against elite global talent on a nightly basis.

Jokic is not just a dominant big man — he’s revolutionized the center position. A three-time MVP and two-time runner-up, the Serbian superstar is the engine of the Nuggets’ offense, leading the team in scoring, assists, and rebounds. His court vision and basketball IQ have made him arguably the most complete center the league has ever seen.

In contrast, Bill Russell’s greatness was anchored in defense, rebounding, and leadership. He was the heartbeat of the most successful dynasty in NBA history, winning 11 titles in 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics. His intangibles — effort, intelligence, and team-first mentality — remain the gold standard in basketball circles.

But that’s precisely the dividing line in this debate. Jokić, despite his individual dominance, has just one championship — and he’s playing in an era of parity. The league hasn’t seen a true dynasty in nearly a decade, with seven different champions in the last seven seasons. That makes his path steeper and more competitive than those who ruled previous eras.

Whether or not fans agree with Arenas, one thing is clear: Nikola Jokic has forced his way into the conversation. And if his NBA career continues on its current trajectory, there’s a growing case that he may end up on the Mount Rushmore of centers — if not already.

Though Auerbach passed away in 2006, his legacy lives on through his championship banners and bold decisions. In a 1991 interview with legendary sportscaster Bob Costas, Auerbach reflected on a range of topics, including his iconic career, the evolving game, and, of course, the heated GOAT debate. That’s when the Celtics patriarch made his thoughts on NBA greatness crystal clear.

“You can make a case for the greatest player of all time for [Bill] Russell, for [Larry] Bird, for [Michael] Jordan, for Magic [Johnson], and for Kareem [Abdul-Jabbar]. Those five—you can make a case as to who the greatest, most valuable player of all time is,” Auerbach told Costas.

So, who was No. 1 for Red Auerbach?

When pressed to choose, Auerbach didn’t hesitate. For him, the greatest player in NBA history was Bill Russell. It wasn’t about scoring titles or flash—it was about what Russell brought to the game: his leadership, his intelligence, his ability to dominate defensively, and his unmatched record when it mattered most.

“It’s the ability to perform under dire situations—in other words, what does he do in a clutch? What has he won? Forget about all the stats as I’ve said before. And Bill Russell would rise to occasions,” Auerbach emphasized. For a man who valued winning and team-first mentality above all else, Russell was the obvious choice.

Auerbach’s all-time top 12 NBA players

Asked to pick his all-time team in 1990, Auerbach responded, “Can’t do it,” citing the overwhelming talent across generations. Still, he offered a 12-man list instead of the usual five—a testament to how difficult the task really is.

His picks at center: Bill Russell and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. At forward: Julius Erving, Larry Bird, Elgin Baylor, and Bob Pettit. A loaded lineup that covered eras, styles, and skill sets. But he didn’t stop there.

At guard, Auerbach selected John Havlicek, Bob Cousy, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Oscar Robertson, and Jerry West. It was a carefully thought-out list, balancing leadership, winning pedigree, and clutch performances—a who’s who of NBA icons.

A brief look at Red Auerbach’s career

Red Auerbach served as the head coach of the Boston Celtics from 1950 to 1966, guiding the team to nine NBA championships—including an unprecedented eight straight titles from 1959 to 1966. Known for his fiery sideline demeanor and strategic genius, Auerbach revolutionized the role of the coach in professional basketball.

After retiring from coaching, he transitioned seamlessly into the front office, where he built championship rosters as general manager and team president. He won seven more titles in those roles, most notably by drafting and trusting players like Larry Bird and Kevin McHale. Auerbach finished his career with a total of 16 NBA championships, making him one of the most successful executives in sports history.

The NBA Finals are where legends are made, and only a rare few have reached that stage countless times. From dynastic Celtics to modern superstars, the Finals have long been a proving ground for greatness — and for winners.

Across decades, some players have redefined what it means to chase championships, appearing on the biggest stage again and again. Whether through resilience or pure talent, these icons carved their names into NBA lore.

Their journeys tell a story of determination, sacrifice and glory, shaping the narrative of the league itself. As the Finals spotlight shone brightest, these all-time greats kept finding their way back, season after season.

Bill Russell – 12 appearances

Bill Russell holds the all-time record for NBA Finals appearances with 12 trips to the championship round, all with the Boston Celtics. His dominance in the 1950s and 1960s helped define the NBA’s early years, and he secured an astonishing 11 championships in those 12 appearances — a record that remains untouchable.

He was known for his incredible defensive presence, shot-blocking, and leadership, which were the backbone of Boston’s dynasty. Beyond the stats, his legacy goes far deeper.

He was a pioneer for African American athletes and a civil rights advocate, using his platform to speak out against racism during a turbulent era in American history. Even today, his influence is felt, and the NBA Finals MVP trophy is named in his honor.

Sam Jones – 11 appearances

Sam Jones, often called “Mr. Clutch”, appeared in 11 NBA Finals, all with the Celtics alongside Bill Russell. Known for his deadly bank shot and ability to deliver in crucial moments, he was one of Boston’s most reliable scorers.

With 10 championships under his belt, he ranks second only to Russell in rings won, making him a key figure in one of the greatest dynasties in sports history. Despite not being as famous as some of his teammates, his impact was enormous.

His cool demeanor and ability to rise to the occasion in critical games made him a player coaches and teammates trusted. Without his scoring prowess, many of those Celtics championships would not have been possible.

LeBron James – 10 appearances

LeBron James has reached the NBA Finals 10 times over a career spanning two decades, playing for the Cavaliers, Heat and Lakers. His Finals journey is marked by resilience and adaptability, facing off against dynasties like the Spurs and Warriors.

With 4 championships so far, his Finals record is sometimes debated, but few deny his greatness and consistent ability to carry teams to the biggest stage. His legacy is not just about wins and losses — it’s about longevity, versatility, and rewriting what’s possible for a basketball player.

Whether leading massive comebacks, like the 2016 Finals against Golden State, or winning a title in the bubble with the Lakers, he has cemented his place among the greatest ever.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 10 appearances

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar made 10 Finals appearances with the Bucks and Lakers, winning 6 championships and establishing himself as one of the most dominant centers in history. Famous for his skyhook shot, he was a model of consistency and excellence, performing at a high level well into his late 30s.

His Finals runs spanned nearly two decades, a testament to his conditioning and skill. Off the court, he was a thoughtful and outspoken athlete, engaging in social and political issues and becoming an intellectual figure in sports.

His impact on the game is felt both through his records — including being the NBA’s all-time leading scorer for nearly 40 years — and his contributions to culture and society.

Magic Johnson – 9 appearances

Magic Johnson’s nine NBA Finals appearances all came with the Lakers during the 1980s, where he led the “Showtime” era to five championships. Known for his dazzling passing, infectious charisma and clutch performances, he transformed the point guard position and became one of the most marketable stars in NBA history. His Finals battles against Larry Bird’s Celtics are legendary.

His impact extended beyond the court. His public announcement of his HIV diagnosis in 1991 changed the conversation around the disease, and his business ventures after retirement made him a global figure. His Finals performances and leadership made him a cornerstone of NBA history.

Jerry West – 9 appearances

Jerry West, famously nicknamed “Mr. Clutch,” reached the NBA Finals nine times with the Lakers but won only one championship in 1972. Despite the tough Finals losses, often to the Celtics, he remains one of the most respected players in league history.

Remarkably, he’s the only player to win Finals MVP (1969) while playing on the losing team. His competitive fire, leadership, and scoring ability defined his era.

After his playing career, he became one of the most successful executives in NBA history, helping to build Lakers dynasties in the 1980s and early 2000s. His silhouette is literally the NBA logo, a testament to his lasting influence.

Tom Heinsohn – 9 appearances

Tom Heinsohn reached the NBA Finals nine times with the Celtics, winning eight championships during Boston’s golden era. As a power forward, he brought toughness, scoring, and rebounding, making him an essential piece of the team’s dynasty. After his playing days, he continued to influence the team as a coach and longtime broadcaster.

His love for the Celtics spanned over six decades, making him one of the most beloved figures in franchise history. His passion for the game and his team’s success helped set the tone for generations of Celtics players and fans alike.

Michael Cooper – 8 appearances

Michael Cooper appeared in eight NBA Finals with the Lakers, serving as a defensive anchor and utility player during the “Showtime” era. Renowned for his perimeter defense, he was often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best scorer, making crucial stops in key moments.

His contributions helped the Lakers win five championships in the 1980s. His role on the Lakers was invaluable even though his stats didn’t always jump off the page.

His versatility and ability to impact games without needing the ball in his hands made him the ultimate teammate and one of the most respected role players in NBA history.

Dennis Rodman – 8 appearances

Dennis Rodman reached eight NBA Finals with the Pistons, Bulls and Spurs, winning five championships. Known as one of the greatest rebounders and defenders ever, his relentless hustle and ability to get inside opponents’ heads were his trademarks. His Finals battles, especially during the Bulls’ second three-peat, cemented his legacy as a key piece of championship teams.

Off the court, he became a pop culture icon, known for his eccentric personality, tattoos, piercings, and tabloid headlines. But on the floor, he was a tireless competitor and an irreplaceable glue guy on some of the best teams ever assembled.

Frank Ramsey – 8 appearances

Frank Ramsey played in eight NBA Finals with the Celtics, winning seven championships. Often called the NBA’s first “sixth man”, he came off the bench to provide scoring punch and versatility, redefining the value of a reserve player. His selflessness and adaptability were key to Boston’s incredible run of success.

His role set a precedent for future generations, proving that being a bench player didn’t mean being any less important. His contributions were crucial to the Celtics’ dynasty, and he remains a celebrated figure in the team’s history.

During a recent episode of his podcast The Why with Dwyane Wade, the former shooting guard explained his stance by comparing the status in the NBA to a hotel. “The hotel has 30 floors. We talk about the access key; when I look at the game, I look at who has access to get to the 30th floor,” he began.

For Wade, the key to the top is simple: championships. “The 30th-floor access key is winning,” he said. He immediately named the two players who, in his view, are at the highest level in NBA history: “Bill Russell‘s up there, Jordan up there.”

However, Wade made it clear that this division of floors does not necessarily diminish players who haven’t won championships. “If you have not won a ring, it doesn’t mean you’re not colder than someone who has a ring,” he explained. “It’s just that you don’t have access to go to the ring floors.”

Dwyane Wade reflects on his own place in NBA history

Continuing with the hotel analogy, Dwyane Wade evaluated his own performance in the NBA and, by extension, his place within this imaginary structure. “I can’t go to 30,” he admitted, despite being a three-time champion with the Heat. “I may be on floor 25, but I ain’t at floor 30. That doesn’t mean anything to me; it just means I don’t have access to go to that floor.”

The GOAT debate according to Dwyane Wade

In the same conversation, the Miami Heat legend made it clear where he stands on the ongoing debate about who is the best player of all time. “There’s going to be a lot of arguments about, oh, he’s better because he scored more points, or he’s better because I like his game, or that he has won more rings,” Wade said.

“This conversation never goes anywhere. It’s a great conversation to have, but for me, it is what it is from the standpoint of, okay, let’s use this as a hotel,” he added.

Wade’s thoughts on Jordan and LeBron

A few days ago, Dwyane Wade hinted that LeBron James has an edge over Michael Jordan in the eternal comparison between the two. “MJ averaged 20 when he came back, and he was still very good, but LeBron has stayed at a level that we haven’t seen,” D-Wade said in an interview shared by Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson. “I mean, he’s averaging 30 points per game in his 20th year in the league!”

However, on previous occasions, the former Miami guard made it clear that MJ is special to him. “Michael Jordan is the first iconic figure in this game, the one who took this game to heights it had never been to,” Wade said, according to Basketball Network. “I feel like we all have generational GOATs. In my generation, that is my GOAT.”

He also added that younger generations will likely choose other players. “It’s going to be Kobe (Bryant) and LeBron as the new generation’s GOATs, and that’s okay. It’s okay not to have one GOAT. Everyone doesn’t have to be on the same page.”

Kemp selected Bill Russell over both Jordan and LeBron, arguing that being the best player doesn’t necessarily mean being the top scorer. “People get at me when I say this, but Bill, Bill Russell. The best to play the game is not going to be the leading scorer. The best to play the game is going to be one in the middle doing a lot of different things,” Kemp explained in July 2024.

Bill Russell, with a career scoring average of 15.1 points per game over 13 seasons, is often overlooked for his offensive output. However, his defensive prowess and ability to dominate the boards were crucial to the 11 championships he won with the Boston Celtics.

More than points: Russell’s leadership, advocacy, and collective impact

Kemp also emphasized Russell’s influence as a complete player: “Because he’s got to be able to help people out, keep the ball in play. Bill Russell was the first one blocking shots, keeping the ball in play. You know, we were blocking shots and throwing that (expletive) 17 rows into the stands. He was actually blocking shots. They were getting layups off of it, man.”

While Kemp played with a more flashy and offensive style, Russell stood out for his fundamental approach, dominant defense, and ability to make his teammates better.

Russell: A champion beyond statistics

Despite not being known for his scoring, Russell consistently ranked among the NBA’s top five in field goal percentage early in his career. In the 1958-59 season, he posted a 47.5% shooting percentage, which was the second-best in the league.

Jordan or LeBron: A comparison between legends

Kemp also shared his thoughts on other “GOAT” contenders, making a bold comparison between LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson: “I think LeBron is right up there … I don’t think LeBron should be compared to Michael Jordan either; I think he should be compared to Magic Johnson. Whoever started that (expletive) got it totally wrong. LeBron is not no (expletive) Michael Jordan. Kobe is more like Michael Jordan, and LeBron is like Magic Johnson,” Kemp said.

Who is the GOAT? The eternal debate

The debate over the best player in NBA history is as old as the league itself. While Michael Jordan and LeBron James are the most frequently mentioned names, other legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and Bill Russell also deserve serious consideration. Each of these players has left an indelible mark on the game, shaping its evolution in unique ways.

The NBA, home to countless sporting feats, has witnessed records that defy logic and imagination. Some of these achievements, due to their magnitude and uniqueness, seem destined to remain unreachable.

From Wilt Chamberlain‘s 100 points in 1962 to Scott Skiles‘ 30 assists in 1990, these milestones not only reflect individual excellence but also the evolution and limits of professional basketball.

In this journey, we will explore some of the most iconic records that, due to their exceptional nature, may remain unbreakable in history, according to sources such as the official NBA website, Fox Sports and more.

Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game

On March 2, 1962, Wilt Chamberlain, one of the most dominant players in NBA history, left an indelible mark on basketball by scoring 100 points in a single game, leading the Philadelphia Warriors to a victory over the New York Knicks (169-147). The game took place in Hershey, Pennsylvania, in a small gymnasium and in front of a modest audience.

His feat was not only a demonstration of his extraordinary athletic ability but also of his incredible physical and mental endurance. During that season, he averaged 50.4 points per game—an achievement in its own right.

In this particular game, Wilt was unstoppable: he made 36 of his 63 field goal attempts and hit 28 of his 32 free throws, an impressive feat given his reputation as an inconsistent free-throw shooter.

Context matters as well: the rules and defenses of the era allowed Chamberlain, with his imposing height and strength, to dominate opponents. In today’s game, with much more structured defenses and physically comparable players, it is considered virtually impossible for anyone to come close to scoring 100 points in a single game.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record

For 20 seasons in the NBA, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar set the standard for longevity and excellence, amassing a total of 38,387 points. His success was the result of a combination of factors: his technical skill, physical preparation, and, of course, his legendary “skyhook”, a virtually unblockable shot that became his most lethal weapon.

He played for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers, demonstrating impressive consistency throughout his career. In 19 of his 20 seasons, he averaged at least 20 points per game. His work ethic and ability to adapt to the physical challenges of aging kept him a dominant force on the court even in the later years of his career.

Although LeBron James surpassed this record in February 2023, his milestone remains monumental. It represents not only an extraordinary scoring ability but also the capacity to stay healthy and competitive for two decades, something that remains extremely challenging in the current NBA landscape.

Bill Russell’s 11 NBA championships

Bill Russell is synonymous with team success. During his career with the Boston Celtics, he led the team to 11 championships in 13 seasons, an achievement that seems unattainable in modern NBA. His impact went far beyond the stats: he was a master of defense, a relentless rebounder, and a leader who understood how to maximize collective talent.

In an era when the league had fewer teams and a less competitive structure than today, he and the Celtics dominated through a disciplined system designed by coach Red Auerbach. However, the level of pressure these teams faced should not be underestimated. Winning year after year requires unparalleled focus and cohesion, qualities that Russell exemplified.

In today’s NBA, with more balanced teams and players frequently changing franchises, it’s almost impossible to imagine anyone surpassing this record of championships.

John Stockton’s career assists and steals

John Stockton, who spent his entire career with the Utah Jazz (1984–2003), redefined what it means to be a point guard. Stockton wasn’t the most athletic or the fastest player, but his basketball IQ, precision, and endurance allowed him to set nearly untouchable records.

With 15,806 assists, he became the greatest playmaker in NBA history. His connection with Karl Malone was legendary, forming one of the most effective duos of all time. Additionally, his ability to anticipate defensive plays made him the all-time leader in steals, with 3,265.

What makes these records even more impressive is his durability: Stockton was rarely injured and played 19 nearly full seasons, an extremely rare feat in modern basketball. In a game where the roles of point guards have shifted toward scoring, it’s hard to imagine anyone breaking these records.

The Boston Celtics’ 8 consecutive championships

During the 1960s, the Boston Celtics established an unprecedented dominance in the NBA, winning eight consecutive championships under the leadership of Bill Russell and coach Red Auerbach. This achievement defined an era in which the Celtics were not only the most talented team but also the most cohesive, emphasizing teamwork and defense.

The team’s core included elite players like Bob Cousy, John Havlicek, Sam Jones and, of course, Russell, who anchored the defense with his shot-blocking ability and rebounding control. Their success was also aided by the NBA’s structure at the time: with only 8–14 teams in the league, talent was more concentrated.

In today’s NBA, parity and frequent player movement make this level of dominance nearly impossible. Teams like the Golden State Warriors have had impressive runs in recent years, but even they have not come close to matching this historic hegemony.

LeBron James’ career playoff appearances

LeBron James, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, achieved an incredible feat by leading his teams (Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers) to 8 consecutive Finals between 2011 and 2018. This record not only highlights his individual talent but also his ability to elevate his teammates’ performance during the most crucial part of the season.

During this streak, he faced fierce competition, including the Golden State Warriors dynasty. However, his consistency and adaptability to different playing systems allowed him to dominate the Eastern Conference year after year.

In today’s NBA, greater parity, with stars spread across multiple teams, combined with factors like injuries and workload management, makes it unlikely for anyone to match LeBron’s Finals consistency.

Julius Erving’s 30,000 career minutes played

Julius “Dr. J” Erving is remembered not only for his electrifying style and ability to popularize aerial play but also for his durability on the court. Playing in both the ABA and the NBA, he logged over 30,000 minutes in his professional career.

What makes this achievement remarkable is how he maintained a high level of excellence in an era when training and recovery methods were far less advanced than they are today. His ability to avoid major injuries and remain productive over so many seasons is a testament to his physical preparation and basketball intelligence.

In today’s NBA, where load management and scheduled rest are common, reaching such a milestone seems out of reach for most players. Erving’s longevity remains a lesson in professionalism and resilience.

Wilt Chamberlain’s 50.4 points per game (1961-62)

The 1961-62 season was a masterpiece for Wilt Chamberlain, who averaged the astounding figure of 50.4 points per game. This record, like his 100-point game, illustrates his absolute dominance in an era where his combination of height, strength and skill was unmatched.

Chamberlain played a total of 80 games that season, scoring more than 4,000 points in total, a feat that no player has since repeated. Furthermore, he achieved this in an era without a three-point line, meaning all of his points came from field goals and free throws.

The modern context makes this record completely unattainable. With more structured defenses, a different pace of play, and the need to distribute the ball among multiple stars on a team, no player can accumulate such disproportionate figures over an entire season.

Old-school NBA fans often lean towards the players from their era, and while it’s easy to understand where that bias is coming from, it’s hard to make an argument for those players sometimes.

At least, that’s what former NBA star Gilbert Arenas thinks, as he recently went on a full rant to diss those who still believe that Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell is the greatest player in NBA history.

Gilbert Arenas Mocks Bill Russell Fans

“When people have Bill Russell in their top 10, I gotta question your basketball knowledge,” Arenas said. “I’m sorry. Because him and Wilt (Chamberlain) played in the same era. One averaged 50 and 30 rebounds, the other one averaged 16 and 20 rebounds.”

“Which means one was just a hustle player,” continued Arenas. “Like, you hustled against white folks. All you can score was 16 points a game. You couldn’t even break 20 and you want me to put you in the top 10? Everybody’s 5 f***ing 10 and there’s only eight teams and you’re playing against the White folks, right?”

Truth be told, Bill Russell’s era was undeniably the least talented and least professional ever. He was a priviliged athlete, though, and the ultimate winner, so he shouldn’t be blamed for the poor competition he had to face.

Of course, the San Antonio Spurs hope that first-overall pick Victor Wembanyama will join that list once it’s all said and done. But he’s just walking his first steps in the league.

However, even if he has yet to make his professional debut, Los Angeles Lakers legend Jerry West believes that the French star has a similar game to Bill Russell, which is a lot to say.

Jerry West Compares Victor Wembanyama To Bill Russell

“You rarely see someone that combines his brain and his ability,” West started. “Just watching him play, it’s an easy game for him to play, very easy and it never looks like he is working. If you watch really great players, it never looks like they’re working hard.”

“When you watch him defensively, he ruins games. He reminds me a little bit of a bigger Bill Russell with a big reach, coming from everywhere— any offensive player is gonna have to be really cautious about where he is because he’s gonna mess up some offenses that’s for sure,” West concluded.

Well, if Wemby is able to win just one third of the championships Russell won, then he’ll already have a better career than most of his colleagues. Hopefully, he’ll stay healthy and live up to that unimaginable potential.

This once-in-a-lifetimetribute only happened in some way when Michael Jordan retired and some of the NBA Franchises decided to retire their No. 23 jersey to one of the greats, if not the greatest, player of all time. However, this is a diffent one because is aunanimousdecision.

Therefore, the NBA will retire No.6 jersey numbers from all the franchises. However, one of the best-selling jersey numbers is the LeBron James one with the Los Angeles Lakers. Is this tribute going to change the four-time NBA Champion’s number?

Is LeBron Jamesjersey’s number going to change due to the No. 6 retirement?

Despite the announcement made by the NBA and NBPA states that the No.6 jersey is going to be retire throughtout the NBA franchises, the current NBA players who wear No.6 on their jersey will be “grandfathered”, according to Shams Charania of the Athletic.

This means LeBron James can keep the same jersey number on his back, unlesshe is willing to change it. In the mean time, there have been speculations about this, because he can go back to wear theNo.23 jersey. However, there are endorsments deals made that would prevent that from happening.

This situation alsos applies to other big NBA players such as Alex Caruso of the Chicago Bulls,Kristap Porzingis of the Washington Wizards and DeAndre Jordan of the Denver Nuggets. All of them can keep their jersey number, if they want to.

“My thoughts about Bill Russell passing away…. I am working on an deeper thought provoking article tonight as I process what just happened.”This message was posted on Abdul-Jabbar’s account right after Russell’s family posted about the 11-time NBA Champion’sdeath.

Aftwards, he appeared on several ESPN segments to talk about his stories about Russell and related topics. Therefore, here it is a small summary of Abdul-Jabbar’s special article on Bill Russell, his hero and his mentor.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s special article for Bill Russell

Jabbar’s article is divided by topics or special episodes between these two former ballers. “My First Meeting with Bill Russell Went South Fast”, “How Bill Russell Inspired Me as a Player”, “How Bill Russell Inspired Me as an Activist” and “Me and Bill as Old Men.”

All of these chapters are encounters between Jabbar and Russell in several points of their lives. “I first met Bill Russell in 1961, when I was a 14-year-old freshman at Power Memorial High School. I had just arrived at the school gym for team practice only to find the Boston Celtics practicing instead.”

In between, Jabbar wrote about how Russell inspired him to be a better basketball player and better person overall. “He anticipated their move like a chess master, than sprang into the air to block them before they knew what was happening. He didn’t play one-size-fits-all defense, he customized his defense to fit each player.”

“Bill was the most famous member of the summit, other than Jim Brown and Ali, but he never tried to leverage that to influence the rest of us. His approach was logical and dispassionate, encouraging us to listen with open minds to what Ali had to say.”If you want to the read the full article, it’s here.

But at the end of the day, most people will judge a player for hisrésumé, and what speaks louder than championships? Winning a ring is the endgame and ultimate goal, and just a handful of guys can achieve it.

As we know by now, no athlete won more championships in all four major leagues (NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL) than Bill Russell. So, now that he’s passed away, we’ll let you know about the only guys that come close: the winningest players in NBA history.

NBA Rings: Players With The Most Championships

3. John Havlicek, Satch Sanders, K.C. Jones, & Tom Heisonh – 8 Rings

The Boston Celtics won 11 rings in 13 years, so it’s only normal that most of the members of those teams make this list. In fact, Tom Heisonh and K.C. Jones won a ring in eight out of the nine seasons they played in the league.

Heisonh was a part of the1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965 championship teams, while Jones joined them later and won in1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966.

Satch Sanders followed by winning in1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, while John Havlicek became one of the greatest players of all time and helped them win in1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976. Two of those rings came in the post-Bill Russell ea.

2. Sam Jones – 10 Rings

Most people talk about Bill Russell and for very good reasons, but if Michael Jordan had Scottie Pippen, then Russell had Sam Jones. The Celtics would’ve been as dominant if he wasn’t there as well.

Jones averaged 17.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game through his 12-year career. He was a master in the clutch and often took his game up a notch in the playoffs, carrying the offense while Russell anchored the defense.

1. Bill Russell – 11 Rings

The man, the legend. Bill Russell was a gifted athlete who literally jumped over his own teammates to swat shots. Considered the greatest defender of all time, he could lock down the glass like no other, then push the break by himself, and then dunk over two people from the free-throw line.

Russell was a winner on and off the court, an example and a leader for minorities. He also had one of the first ‘star’ contracts in the NBA, so he was also a pioneer in that regard. Winner of 11 rings in 13 seasons, Russell’s résumé will never be topped.