Bill Russell
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William Felton Russell was an American professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association from 1956 to 1969. He was the centerpiece of the C
Russell with the Boston Celtics, c. 1960
Russell practicing a free throw at the University of San Francisco, c. 1953–56
Russell during his college career at USF, 1955
Russell in February 1956 at USF
NBA Most Valuable Player
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The NBA Most Valuable Player is an annual National Basketball Association award given since the 1955–56 season to the best performing player of the regular season. Since the 2022–23 season, winners re
Bill Russell
…the Celtics went on to win their first NBA championship in 1957 and won an NBA record eight consecutive championships from 1959 to 1966. A five-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) and a 12-time NBA All-Star, Russell's rebounding, defense, and leadership made him one of the dominant players of his era. Standing at 6 ft 10…
Bob McAdoo and his 1974–75 NBA Most Valuable Player trophy
Bill Russell (left) won the award five times in his NBA career. Wilt Chamberlain (center) won the award four times in his career.
Bob Pettit was the first player to win multiple MVP awards.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won the award a record-setting six times in his career.