Bill Russell was undoubtedly one of the sport’s greatest legends. Upon his death, his jersey was consequently retired by every franchise in the league, even though a certain player did not like it. This controversial sentence, to which he recently returned, proves it.
During the first years after the creation of the NBA, Bill Russell became a sensation due to his domination, particularly on the defensive level. In just 13 seasons with the Celtics, the Hall of Famer won 11 rings, which is an all-time record. Also known for his great rivalry with Wilt Chamberlain, the Boston legend had been elevated to the rank of the most legendary basketball players.
In addition, his playing record also includes 5 MVPs, a Sportsman of the Year title awarded by Sport Illustrated and many others. Added to this are also two championships obtained with the same franchise as coach, and he was the first black to establish himself at the top in this role. In short, it was an exceptional career and life lived by the man nicknamed “The Father of Defense”.
Bill Russell insulted by Udonis Haslem
Sadly, Bill Russell’s days ended in 2022 at the age of 88. As a result, the NBA immediately decided to remove the famous number 6 in all franchises in tribute to the deceased. A gesture full of meaning which was welcomed and respected by the entire league, except perhaps for Udonis Haslem, who was surprised to shout “Bill Russell can go to hell” when the jersey was hung in the Miami arena. He then explained himself in Bam Adebayo’s podcast.
Tell me when you see a Miami Heat jersey hanging in Boston, then I’ll apologize. I love Bill… He just took a stray bullet… I love Bill Russell, I respect him, but why does his jersey have to be hung here? With all the insults we get when we play there… I might not take back what I said, now that I think about it.
Udonis Haslem is a former Heat player who experienced the era when this team became champion in 2006 with Dwyane Wade MVP of the Finals, but also the period when the Big Three composed of the latter, LeBron James and Chris Bosh won 2 securities. Therefore, the recently retired 43-year-old is well aware of the rivalry maintained over the years between Miami and Boston.
It therefore seems that this competitive spirit which animates both camps pushed the ex-star of the league to vulgarly express his anger when the Hall of Famer’s jersey was hung at the top of the Kaseya Center. In any case, this is the way in which he defends this controversial outing, even if he is clearly not ready to turn around.
Bill Russell may be a legend, but Udonis Haslem did not appreciate seeing his jersey hung in Miami. After the controversy of his insult towards the late Celtics player, the former Heat provided an explanation, which would, however, hardly amount to an apology on his part.
