Leon Powe on how Bill Russell changed his life through his writing

Long before he ever won an NBA title with the Boston Celtics, Leon Powe found inspiration in another connection to the Celtics organization.

Long before he ever won an NBA title with the Boston Celtics, Leon Powe found inspiration in another connection to the Celtics organization that would set him on the path to playing the sport he won that title with in a book written by a fellow Celtics alum and Oakland denizen.

A mecca for not only Celtics greats, but NBA players, athletes, and even pop stars and politicians, the city of Oakland California was anything but a dream for a younger Powe, who spent much of his childhood going into and out of foster care. Speaking in an interview with the Boston Herald’s Mark Murphy soon after the death of Boston great Bill Russell in the summer of 2022, Powe revealed how a book written by Russell changed his life.

“Growing up in Oakland California Bill Russell Inspired me to be a leader on and off the court, how to face adversity head-on as he did countless times in his lifetime,” said Powe. ” just want to say thank you Mr. Russell for giving a young foster care kid hope and belief.”