NBA legend Bill Russell dies at 88

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Bill Russellwas one of the greatest basketball players of all time to lead prosecutions both inside and outside the courtroom, and his family announced on Sunday that he had died. He was 88 years old.

Russell's family said in a statement that he died "peacefully" with his wife. It was unknown how Russell died. 

"It's very heartfelt to tell all of Bill's friends, fans&'s followers," the statement began.

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Former Boston Celtics players Bill Russell (left) and Tom Heinsohn are the first I'm watching the Celtics and Atlanta Hawks games in 6 games. Eastern Conference Quarterfinals held at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts on April 28, 2016. (Brian Babino via Getty Images / NBAE)

"American sports history's most prolific winner, Bill Russell, is peaceful today at the age of 88. His wife, Genie, is by his side. Arrangements for his memorial service will be announced shortly.

"The two state championships at Bill's high school are for the pure team of the future. A glimpse of the unparalleled performance of achievement. Double the NCAA champion; Gold medalUS Olympic team captain; 11 times the NBA champion. The first black of the North American professional sports team. As head coach, he has commanded two NBA championships.

"In the process, Bill won an unprecedented series of individual awards because he didn't mention it. In 2009, the NBA Finals Best Player Award was renamed after being inducted into the Hall of Fame twice. "Bill Russell NBA Finals Best Player Award"

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Bill Russell, a member of the Boston Celtics 1966 Championship Team, held the TD Garden on April 13, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. Half-time of the match between Celtics and Miami Heat at.(Mike Lawrie / Getty Images)

His family had one victory in court, but with his achievements and citizenship movement. He said he also needed to remember the battle. I read "His Life". "Boycotted the 1961 exhibition game to reveal discrimination that was too long, led the first integrated basketball camp in Mississippi as a result of the flammability of the Medgar [Evers] assassination, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Up to decades of activity recognized by him. In 2010, Bill confused the status quo with his unrelenting candidness, and although he never had his humble intentions, teamwork, selflessness, and thoughtfulness. He called for injustice with a powerful example that stimulates deep change forever.

Bill Russell of Boston Celtics took a picture at Boston Gardens in Boston around 1962. Massachusetts(Dick Raphael / NBAE via Getty Images)

"Thanks to Bill's wife, Genie and many of his friends and family for continuing to pray for Bill. Perhaps one or two golden moments he gave us [[ Relive] Recall his trademark laugh, which was delighted to explain the true story of how those moments unfolded, and each of us was Bill. We hope to find new ways to act and speak about our uncompromising, dignified, and always constructive approach to principles.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Issued a statement after the news of Russell's death. Countless praises, including record 11 championships and 5 MVP awards, have only begun to tell the story of the immense impact Bill has on our league and the wider community. "Silver aid.

"Bill represented something much bigger than sport. The value of equality, respect and inclusion he imprinted in the DNA of our league. Bill was at the height of his athletic career. An active advocate of civil rights and social justice, a legacy that has been passed down to generations of NBA players in his footsteps. Through taunts, threats and unimaginable adversity, Bill is above all. Also stood up and remained true to his belief that everyone deserved dignity. "

Silver said Russell was" the ultimate winner, teammate, and NBA. The impact on will be felt forever. "

Boston Celtics Bill Russell (6) Rebounded against the St. Louis Hawks at Boston Gardens in Boston, Massachusetts.(Sports illustration by Richard Meek / Getty Images)

Russell was named second overall in the 1956 draft of the St. Louis Hawks. He was chosen behind Si Green. In front of Jim Paxson Sr., chosen by the Rochester Royals and by the Minneapolis Lakers, Russell continued to score more points than both players combined.

In San Francisco, Russell helped Don win the NCAA title twice in a row in 1955 and 1956. He also led Team USA to the gold medal at the 1956 Olympics.

Russell was traded to the Hawks for Cliff Hagan on Draft Day. And Ed McCaulejye. He maintained his professional advantage and led Boston to 11 championships, including eight consecutive victories. He leads the NBA five times in rebounds and is just one of two players who have recorded at least 50 rebounds in the game.

Russell broke through the coaching color barrier when he became the first black NBA head coach in history in 1966. He coached Boston in two NBA championships. He later coached the Seattle SuperSonics and Sacramento Kings.

Outside the courtroom, Russell was an important leader in the fight for equality in the fight against racist abuse and announced what he had seen and heard while playing.

He and other black teammates boycotted an exhibition game in Kentucky in 1961 after being denied service at a restaurant. Russell also supported Muhammad Ali's refusal to be drafted during the Vietnam War.

Russell has been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame twice, once as a player and once as a coach. His number 6 was retired by the Celtics, and he is the origin of the name of the NBA Finals MVP Award.

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Russell in his illustrious career Was 12 All-Stars, 11 NBA Champions, 5 MVPs, 11 All-NBA Selections.