Celebrating Bill Russell’s 86th birthday in photos
On Boston Celtics legendary big man Bill Russell’s 86th birthday, we celebrate his long and rich life and contributions to basketball and civil rights.
THE LATTER DYNASTY — THE LATE 1960S
The decline of his playing ability and increasing distaste for the contemporary political situation began a slow retreat from public life that would wax and wain over the next few decades. Russell would still manage to win another three titles with Boston before retiring in 1969.
Russell posts up against Wilt Chamberlain of the Philadelphia 76ers at a 1968 game played in the Boston Garden (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images).
Auerbach hugs Russell and John Havlicek in 1968 after the NBA Championship win over the Los Angeles Lakers (AP Photo).
In 1969, Russell battled Wilt Chamberlain — then of the Lakers — in the NBA Finals (AP Photo).
