Bill Russell Memorabilia Buying Guide

By Sean J. O'Rourke

The cornerstone of the greatest dynasty the sports world has ever known, Bill Russell is one of the most accomplished athlete in American sports history. Drafted second overall by Red Auerbach and the Boston Celtics in 1956, Russell would go on to win 11 NBA Championships in 13 seasons, including eight consecutive Championships spanning from 1959 through 1966. Both aforementioned facts are unmatched anywhere in professional sports. Russell played his college ball at the University of San Francisco, where he led his team to NCAA Championships in 1955 and '56. Legendary UCLA coach John Wooden called Russell "the greatest defensive man I've ever seen." Before entering the NBA, Russell starred playing center for the United States Olympic basketball team, winning a gold medal in 1956 while defeating opponents by an average of over 53 points per game. Russell joined the Celtics in December of 1956 where he led the NBA in rebounding. Later that season, Russell and the Celtics would go on to win their first NBA Championship. Russell would do something no African American had previously done as he was named a player-coach of the Boston Celtics, the first head coaching job given to an African American in professional American sports. Russell retired in 1969. His trademark No. 6 jersey was retired by the Boston Celtics in 1972 and Russell was inducted into the Naismith Pro Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975.

A man who completely changed the face of his sport, Bill Russell will always be remembered as the NBA's first defensive showstopper, one of the league's greatest rebounders and hands down one of the sport's greatest players of all time. If you're looking for either that centerpiece for your collection or simply an addition, Bill Russell and his unmatched list of career accomplishments make his memorabilia the go-to choice.

• Autographed Bill Russell Jersey: Russell's 11 NBA Championships are unmatched. One of the greatest players the NBA has ever seen hand-signed this Celtics jersey on his trademark No. 6. While donned in the famous green and white, Russell led the Celtics to another unmatched landmark: Eight consecutive championships. Spanning from 1959 through 1966, Russell and the Celtics dominated the NBA like no other organization ever had before. Bill Russell was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1975, and his jersey would be a perfect aditin to your collection.

• Autographed Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain Photo: Two big men that redefined success in sports, both Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain are synonymous with greatness. In one of sport’s all-time greatest rivalries, Russell and Chamberlain battled as the two tallest, brightest stars of their generation. Chamberlain's unmatched offensive prowess against Russell's absolutely dominant defense is captured here in this 16x20" photograph of Russell defending Chamberlain, the only man to ever score 100 points in a single game. Two Hall of Famers, Bill Russell and the late Wilt Chamberlain hand-signed this great photo. There are only so many pieces you can honestly say are true centerpieces for any collection, this is one of them. Two of sports' greatest superstars on one black and white photograph, add these two giants to your collection today and own a piece of American sports history.

• Bill Russell Autographed Basketball: This is an official NBA Spalding basketball hand-signed by 12-time NBA All-Star center Bill Russell. Russell is the winningest championship player in American sports history to go along with five NBA Most Valuable Player awards. One of the greatest, most dominant players to ever step foot onto a basketball court, adding this very limited-edition signed basketball to your collection is an absolute necessity for every serious basketball fan. An item that will only grow in value and admiration, add this authentic NBA basketball tagged by one of the all-time greatest to your hobby room today!

• Bill Russell Championship Banner: Just like the banners that hung in the old Boston Garden, this great 36x20” inch banner is hand-signed by Celtics all-time great Bill Russell. Commemorating his unmatched 11 NBA World Championships, including eight consecutive, this banner is a 30th Anniversary replica of the collection that hang above Boston's TD Waterhouse arena today. A great addition for every basketball fan's collection, add serious cool to your home or office today!

• USF Autographed Jersey: Despite his amazing talents and monstrous defensive ability, the only school that offered a young Bill Russell an athletic scholarship was the University of San Francisco. Russell rewarded USF by leading them to two consecutive NCAA Championships in 1955 and 1956, at one time winning an unreal 55 consecutive games. In fact, Russell was so dominant that the NCAA had to change the rules of the game. In what became known as "the Russell rules,” the painted lane was doubled to 12 feet and offensive goaltending changed the way offensive players could work around the rim. A man who also competed successfully in track and field events at college, Russell hand-signed this University of San Francisco basketball jersey inside of his trademark No. 6. A great cornerstone for every collection, add the man who changed the face of basketball forever to your collection today!

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