bill russell

Udonis Haslem Speaks On Shading Bill Russell

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Udonis Haslem used a recent podcast appearance to explain a story from Bam Adebayo about saying “F-ck Bill Russell” before a game against the Celtics. “I had to repent that. I love Bill. There’s no disrespect to Bill. I love Bill. He just caught that stray,” Haslem admitted. However, he went on to explain that it wasn’t a pointed comment. Instead, it was an off-handed remark as part of a large rallying cry about the Boston-Miami rivalry.

“Will you ever see a Miami Heat jersey in hanging the Boston rafters? Ever? In life? I wouldn’t give a f-ck if a Miami Heat player was on the basketball. Who’s that motherf-cker on the basketball? What’s his name? Jerry West. That motherf-cker played for the Heat, he would never hang in the rafters. He would never. They would never hang Jerry West’s Miami Heat jersey in the Boston rafters. Never in life. Respect to Bill Russell. I love him. Why the f-cker he got to hang in here?” Haslem explained.

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Bill Russell Rookie Card Sells For $660,000

Earlier this year, in an auction conducted by PWCC Marketplace, a 1957 Topps Bill Russell rookie card sold for $660,000. Not only does it break the record for a Bill Russell card, but it also becomes the third-highest-selling pre-1980s basketball card. The only cards to sell for more money are a 1961 Wilt Chamberlain rookie card ($670,000, June 2022) and a 1948 George Mikan card ($800,000, March 2022).

Russell’s memorabilia was a rarity until fairly recently. In 2021, he facilitated the auction of more than 700 items from his Hall of Fame career. Sold between December 2021 and April 2022, the auction’s total profits were in excess of $9 million. This included $1 million for a game-worn jersey from the series-clinching win of the 1969 Finals. The profits were sent to a number of Boston-area charities, including Russell’s own non-profit, Mentor. However, if the past is anything to go by, the current record will not stand for long. Especially after Russell’s death, the value of his memorabilia has spiked.

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Bill Russell Rookie Card Sells For $660,000

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Bill Russell was an NBA legend. Playing nearly 1000 games between 1956 and 1969, Russell averaged 15 points and 22 rebounds per game. Furthermore, he won 11 championships and five MVP titles. Coaching the Celtics in his final years as a player, he was the first Black coach to win a championship in a major pro sport. Furthermore, he returned to coach in the 1970s, spending four seasons with the Seattle SuperSonics. Russell died aged 88 in July 2022. For the first time in league history, a jersey, specifically Russell’s #6 jersey, was retired league-wide.

Furthermore, card collecting is a serious affair. The rarest cards in the best condition can go for hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you have the money, the hobby goes far beyond pack openings. In March 2021, an 8.5 (between near-mint and mint) rated Bill Russell rookie card was sold for $630,000. It is believed that there are just three Russell rookie cards of a higher grade. However, all three are held in private collections and have never been publicly auctioned. That record has now been broken.

Newly Sold Russell Card Becomes Third Most Expensive Pre-1980s Card

Boston Celtics’ player Bill Russell hooks a shot during the NBA championship’s final game in 1960 against the Saint Louis Hawks.

In an auction conducted by PWCC Marketplace, a 1957 Topps Bill Russell rookie card has sold for $660,000. Not only does it break the record for a Bill Russell card, but it also becomes the third-highest-selling pre-1980s basketball card. The only cards to sell for more money are a 1961 Wilt Chamberlain rookie card ($670,000, June 2022) and a 1948 George Mikan card ($800,000, March 2022).

Russell’s memorabilia was a rarity until fairly recently. In 2021, he facilitated the auction of more than 700 items from his Hall of Fame career. Sold between December 2021 and April 2022, the auction’s total profits were in excess of $9 million. This included $1 million for a game-worn jersey from the series-clinching win of the 1969 Finals. The profits were sent to a number of Boston-area charities, including Russell’s own non-profit, Mentor. However, if the past is anything to go by, the current record will not stand for long. How much would you spend on a historic card? Let us know in the comments below.

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Rich Paul Goes In On The GOAT Debate

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Rich Paul is an off-the-court name that has taken the NBA by storm. Paul is an agent and founder of the popular Klutch Sports Group. Paul’s clientele is at the top of the top in the sports world. Including one of those top athletes being, LeBron James. Paul has long been the agent of James. Which could make him a little biased when discussing the best players to ever play in the NBA. However, Paul’s recent comments on the GOAT debate speak to a larger picture.

“You see all these guys on TV every day, and it’s about the rings. If it’s about the rings then it should be Bill Russell… LeBron’s been to the finals half of his career. That’s pretty hard to do.” Paul’s statement rings true for many inside the media. Recently, Kendrick Perkins discussed what a second championship would mean to the legacy of Giannis. However, as Paul mentioned, it shouldn’t be all about championships. But if it is, Bill Russell should be on top of the mountain. Check out the video of Paul’s comments below.

Rich Paul Believes The GOAT Debate Is More Than Rings

The greatest of all time debate always brings out the fire in people. Fans believe their guy is the GOAT, and there’s no changing their opinion. However, Paul makes a good point in the many discussions involving the moving of the goalposts. Many players in the league’s history have done incredible things. From Russell to Magic and Bird, to MJ, Kobe, and LeBron. All of those players deserve their roses. Breaking down who is the best from only one stat is a ridiculous task.

These players deserve more respect than breaking down their careers into one category. The story of the NBA can’t be told without any of the names previously mentioned. Which seemed like the point Paul was trying to make. However, mentioning the number of times James has appeared in the Finals did show the way Paul may lean in the debate. So, let’s get the GOAT debate fired up one more time. Do you agree with Rich Paul that there’s more to the debate than just championships? Who do you think is the greatest NBA player of all time? Give us your opinions in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, stay locked in with HNHH.