‘I still don’t think he gets enough credit,’ says 76ers’ coach Doc Rivers of Celtics great Bill Russell

The former Boston coach believes the Celtics great is still underappreciated, even now.

It’s been more than a while since former Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers has been part of the organization he led to an NBA title in 2008, but the memory of Boston Hall of Fame big man Bill Russell remains with him just the same.

Speaking to the media ahead of the Celtics’ 126-117 win over the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on opening night that was also to honor Russell’s life and legacy, the Sixers head coach was asked about his memories of the Celtics legend, and what he had meant to him since his days coaching the team they both won championships with.

“He meant a lot,” said Rivers “He meant a lot before I arrived here just for what he stood for, what he went through being the first black coach and being a winner.”