William Felton Russell was an American professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. He was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career. Russell is widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Russell with the Boston Celtics, c. 1960
Russell practicing a free throw at USF, c. 1953–56
Russell during his college career at USF
Russell in 1957
The center (C), or the centre, also known as the five or the pivot, is one of the five positions in a regulation basketball game. The center is almost always the tallest player on the team, and often has a great deal of strength and body mass as well. In the NBA, the center is typically close to 7 feet (2.13 m) tall; centers in the WNBA are typically above 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m). Centers traditionally play close to the basket in the low post. The two tallest players in NBA history, Manute Bol and Gheorghe Mureșan, were both centers, each standing 7 feet 7 inches (2.31 m) tall.
Center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar performing his signature shot, the skyhook.
George Mikan with No. 99
Bill Russell (left) and Wilt Chamberlain (right)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (right) against Wes Unseld (left)