The Bill Russell era of the National Basketball Association is often described as one of the most competitive and successful eras in the history of the sport.
From 1956 to 1969, Bill Russell dominated the league as a member of the Boston Celtics, winning 11 NBA championships. During this time, the NBA saw an influx of exceptional players, including some of the greatest of all time.
Names like Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, and Elgin Baylor all made their mark on the game during this era and are often considered to be some of the best players in NBA history.
This article will explore some of the best players of the Bill Russell era, looking at their individual accomplishments and the impact they had on the game.
1. Larry Bird
Larry Joe Bird is one of the most iconic figures in basketball and one of the greatest players of all time. He earned his two nicknames, “the Hick from French Lick” and “Larry Legend”, for his remarkable skills on the court.
He was born in West Baden Springs, Indiana and played college basketball at Indiana State University before being drafted to the Boston Celtics in 1978.
Throughout his career, he was a 12-time All-Star, three-time MVP, two-time NBA champion, and a gold medalist in the 1992 Summer Olympics. As a player, Bird was renowned for his incredible shooting touch, uncanny passing ability, and intense competitiveness.
He gave a lot of credit to his teammates, including Robert Parish and Kevin McHale, who he said were instrumental in helping him reach his goals.
He was also known for his ability to lead a team, as he was an integral part of the Celtics’ 1980s dynasty that won three championships in a row. After retiring in 1992, Bird went on to pursue a successful coaching and executive career.
He was the head coach of the Indiana Pacers from 1997 to 2000 and the president of basketball operations for the Pacers from 2003 to 2012. He also served as an executive for the Celtics from 1992 to 1997. Larry Joe Bird’s legacy remains strong to this day.
He is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and his number 33 jersey is retired by the Celtics. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and his impact on the game will never be forgotten.
2. Wilt Chamberlain
Wilton Norman Chamberlain was a professional basketball player who made his mark in the National Basketball Association. He was a towering figure at 7 feet 1 inch, and many consider him one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Throughout his 14-season career, Chamberlain consistently showed his skill and talent on the court, becoming one of the most dominant forces in the NBA. His ability to score, rebound, and defend made him a force to be reckoned with.
He was a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, as well as the Los Angeles Lakers, and was named MVP in the 1960-61 season. He also held numerous records, such as most rebounds in a game (55) and most points in a game (100).
His legacy is still felt today, as many of the current NBA players look up to him as an example of excellence. Chamberlain’s impact on the game of basketball cannot be understated, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of basketball players.
3. Oscar Robertson
Oscar Palmer Robertson is a legendary former professional basketball player from the United States. He was famously referred to as “the Big O”, and had a successful career in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Robertson played for two different teams during his time in the NBA – the Cincinnati Royals and the Milwaukee Bucks. Robinson was a remarkable player, who was renowned for his incredible skill set. He was a proficient scorer, a renowned playmaker, and an excellent defensive player.
A truly complete player, Robertson was one of the first players to record a triple-double in a single game.
He was also one of the first players to average a triple-double for an entire season, an accomplishment that had not been achieved since his retirement. Off the court, Robertson was a highly influential figure in the history of the NBA.
He was an integral part of the players union, and he helped push for the inclusion of black players in the league.
He was also an advocate for fair wages and rights for professional players. Throughout his career, Robertson was widely respected as one of the greatest basketball players to ever play the game.
He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980, and his jersey was retired by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2020. His legacy continues to live on, and he is remembered as an incredible basketball player and a champion of social justice.
4. John Havlicek
John Joseph Havlicek was an incredibly talented professional basketball player who spent his entire career playing with the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was a swingman, which is a type of player who can play both guard and forward positions.
Before joining the Celtics, Havlicek played collegiate basketball for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 1959 to 1962. During this time, he achieved great success, winning an NCAA championship in 1960.
Havlicek was an outstanding player, exhibiting great athleticism, dedication, and a natural ability for the game. He was known for his remarkable ability to shoot the ball from any angle and his quickness on the court.
His career with the Celtics was incredibly successful, as he was able to make eight NBA finals appearances and win six championships. He was also an eight-time All-Star and was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.
His legacy has been passed down through the generations, and his name is still synonymous with the Boston Celtics and the game of basketball.
5. Jerry West
Jerome Alan West is an influential figure in the basketball world. He is a basketball executive and former player, having played professionally for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association.
West was a powerful force on the court, earning numerous accolades during his playing career. He was a four-time NBA All-Star, a two-time All-NBA First Team selection, and he was named the NBA Finals MVP in 1969-70.
West was also a part of the Lakers team that won the 1972 NBA Championship. After retiring from the game, West moved into the executive side of basketball.
He was an assistant coach with the Lakers from 1976-1981 and then went on to become the general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies from 2002-2007. West has also served as an executive consultant with the Lakers since 2017.
His extensive experience and knowledge of the game have made him a valuable asset in the front office. West’s impact on the sport is undeniable, both on and off the court.
As a player, he was one of the most respected players in the league, and as an executive, he has brought championship success and stability to the Lakers and Grizzlies. He is a true basketball legend who will be remembered for generations to come.
6. Sam Jones
Samuel Jones was a highly successful basketball player who was a shooting guard for the Boston Celtics in the National Basketball Association. His skill set was notable for his quickness on the court and his ability to make game-winning shots.
Jones was a five-time NBA All-Star, making him one of the most decorated players in the league. His performance during the NBA playoffs was particularly impressive, as he was able to hit shots that would ultimately decide the outcome of the game.
Jones’s reputation for making the big shots when it mattered the most was well-known throughout the league and among fans. He was a player who could be counted on to deliver in the clutch moments of the game.
7. Bob Cousy
Robert Joseph Cousy is one of the most accomplished American professional basketball players of all time. He began his career in 1950 with the Boston Celtics, playing point guard and leading them to eight consecutive NBA championships over the span of thirteen years.
His deft passing and court vision were some of the best in the game, and he was a six-time NBA All-Star, a three-time All-NBA first team selection, and a twelve-time NBA All-Defensive first-team selection. He was also named the NBA MVP in 1957.
After his time with the Celtics, Cousy went on to become the head coach of the NBA’s Cincinnati Royals in 1969 and continued to coach until 1970. During his one season with the Royals, Cousy was able to lead the team to their first playoff appearance in five years.
Though his career as a player and coach was short-lived, Cousy’s legacy lives on in the basketball world. He is one of only two players to have their number retired by the Celtics and was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1971.
8. Tom Heinsohn
Thomas William Heinsohn was an American professional basketball player who was deeply connected to the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association. He had a long and fruitful relationship with the Celtics that spanned six decades.
During that time, he played for the Celtics from 1956 to 1965 and also coached the team from 1969 to 1978. Heinsohn was a dominant player during his time with the Celtics and was even named the Rookie of the Year in 1957.
He was an eight-time NBA All-Star as well as a two-time NBA champion. After his playing career came to an end, Heinsohn transitioned to coaching. He led the Celtics to two more championships during his tenure as head coach.
Heinsohn also served as a broadcaster for the Celtics for several decades, providing commentary and analysis for the team’s games. Heinsohn’s lasting legacy with the Celtics organization is undeniable, and he will forever be remembered as a true Celtics great.
9. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a legendary figure in the world of basketball. He is an American former professional basketball player who played for twenty seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
He spent his first six seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks and his next fourteen seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. During his illustrious career, Abdul-Jabbar was a record six-time NBA Most Valuable Player, which is the highest individual honor for a player.
Abdul-Jabbar was a dominant player throughout his career and was a key factor in helping the Lakers win five NBA championships. He was a three-time NBA Finals MVP, a two-time NBA scoring champion, and a fifteen-time NBA All-Star.
He was also an Olympic Gold Medalist and a two-time Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee. As a center, Abdul-Jabbar was one of the most effective big men to ever grace the court. He was an exceptional scorer, rebounder, passer, and shot blocker.
He was also known for his trademark skyhook shot, which he used to great success throughout his career. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a basketball icon who had an incredible career in the NBA.
He is the all-time leading scorer in NBA history with 38,387 points and was an integral part of the Lakers’ dynasty of the 1980s. He is a true living legend of the game and his legacy will continue to live on for many years to come.
10. Bob Pettit
Robert E. Lee Pettit Jr. was an American professional basketball player who had a successful career in the NBA. He spent the entirety of his 11-year NBA career with the Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks and was a key member of the team.
In 1956, Pettit became the first recipient of the NBA’s Most Valuable Player Award, a title he would go on to win again in 1959.
His success with the Hawks and his two MVP awards established him as one of the greatest players of his generation and earned him a place in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1970.
Pettit’s legacy continues to live on today, as he is remembered for his impressive accomplishments and his dedication to the game of basketball.
11. Kevin Garnett
Kevin Maurice Garnett is an iconic figure in the world of basketball. He is a retired National Basketball Association (NBA) player, having spent 21 successful seasons in the league.
During his career, he showed tremendous versatility and athleticism, playing both power forward and center. He was the first player in two decades to be drafted directly from high school into the NBA. Garnett was one of the most talented players of his generation.
He was an excellent rebounder, passer and shot-blocker, and he had a unique ability to finish around the basket. He was also a great defender, being named Defensive Player of the Year in 2008.
Throughout his career, he earned 15 All-Star selections and was included in the All-NBA First Team nine times. In 2008, Garnett was traded to the Boston Celtics and joined forces with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, forming the core of the team that won the NBA championship in 2008.
After 11 seasons with the Celtics, he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2013 where he finished his career in 2015. Throughout his career, Garnett earned numerous awards and accolades, including the NBA Most Valuable Player Award in 2004 and the J.
Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 2006. After retiring from the NBA, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020. Kevin Maurice Garnett is an example of hard work, dedication and perseverance.
He is an inspiration to many young players and is a symbol of the greatness that can be achieved when one puts in the effort.
12. Elgin Baylor
Elgin Gay Baylor was an exceptional figure in the world of basketball. He was a professional player, coach, and executive for 14 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
During this time, he played as a forward for the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers. Baylor was a dominant force on the court. He was known for his ability to score, rebound, and pass with immense skill.
He was known for pioneering moves such as the slam dunk, which he was one of the first players to regularly perform in games.
His career was marked by numerous accolades, including being selected as an All-Star 11 times, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year Award in 1959, and being named to the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1996. Off the court, Baylor was just as influential.
He was the first African-American to be appointed as a vice president and general manager of an NBA franchise, the Los Angeles Clippers.
He was also the first African-American to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1977. Baylor’s legacy in the basketball world continues to this day.
He is remembered for his accomplishments as a player, coach, and executive, and for his dedication to the sport. He was a true pioneer of the game, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.
13. Bill Sharman
William Walton Sharman was an American professional basketball player and coach who is best remembered for his time with the Boston Celtics in the 1950s.
During this time Sharman teamed up with fellow Celtics great Bob Cousy to form one of the most legendary backcourt duos in the history of the sport.
Sharman’s time with the Celtics was incredibly successful; he was a key member of four NBA championship teams, appeared in five All-Star games, and was named to the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team in 1954. In addition to his playing success, Sharman was also a highly respected coach.
He coached the San Francisco Warriors from 1964-1966, leading them to the Western Division Finals in 1965, and then coached the Los Angeles Lakers from 1971-1976. During his tenure with the Lakers, Sharman took them to the NBA Finals three times, winning two championships.
After his coaching career, Sharman was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004. William Walton Sharman’s legacy as a basketball great is unquestioned.
His combination of success as a player and coach, along with his partnership with Bob Cousy, has helped cement his place in the annals of basketball history.
14. Frank Ramsey
Frank Vernon Ramsey Jr. was an incredibly talented basketball player and coach. He was known for his impressive skills as a 6-3 forward/guard, playing for the Boston Celtics throughout his nine-year NBA career.
During his time with the Boston Celtics, he was instrumental in the early part of their dynasty, helping them to win an incredible seven championships.
His contributions to the team as a whole were invaluable, and he will forever be remembered as a key player in the Celtics’ dynasty. He was a player and coach of exceptional skill and ability, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of basketball fans everywhere.
15. Paul Pierce
Paul Anthony Pierce is a well-renowned former professional basketball player. He had an illustrious career in the National Basketball Association, mainly with the Boston Celtics. He was drafted in the 1998 NBA Draft by the Celtics and went on to play 19 seasons in the NBA.
During that time, Pierce was able to make a lasting impression on the basketball world. He was a ten-time All-Star and earned the distinction of being named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2008. He also won an NBA championship with the Celtics in 2008.
Pierce’s career accomplishments and contributions to the game of basketball were rewarded when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.
This was a fitting recognition of his outstanding achievements in the NBA and one that he will surely cherish for the rest of his life. Pierce’s induction into the Hall of Fame is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the game of basketball.
16. Kevin McHale
Kevin Edward McHale is an American basketball icon. He had a storied career that spanned 15 seasons in the NBA, all with the Boston Celtics. During that time, McHale was a seven-time All-Star and three-time NBA champion.
He was an integral part of the Celtics’ dynasty, helping lead them to two additional championships in the 1980s.
His career averages of 17.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game earned him a place in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999.McHale was a dominant force as a power forward, with the ability to score in a variety of ways.
He was a great shooter from the outside, as well as an inside scorer. He was also a tremendous defender and rebounder. He was an excellent passer and was an expert at drawing fouls.
He was a master of the post-up move and had a great sense of timing and positioning on the offensive end. His career accolades speak for themselves.
He was a seven-time All-Star, three-time NBA champion, two-time All-NBA Second Team selection, and one-time All-NBA Third Team selection.
He was also a five-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection and was the 1983 NBA Sixth Man of the Year. Overall, Kevin McHale is rightly regarded as one of the greatest power forwards of all time.
His impact on the game will never be forgotten, and he will always be remembered as one of the most influential players in Celtics history.
17. Hakeem Olajuwon
Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon, commonly known as “The Dream”, is a retired professional basketball player who had an impressive 18-year career in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Olajuwon was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and has dual citizenship in Nigeria and the United States.
The Dream began his professional basketball career in 1984 as the number one overall pick in the NBA draft. He played for the Houston Rockets for the majority of his career, from 1984 to 2002, where he made a name for himself as one of the greatest players of all time.
Olajuwon was a two-time NBA champion and three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. He was also an 11-time All-Star selection, as well as a two-time NBA Finals MVP. In his final season with the Rockets, Olajuwon played for the Toronto Raptors.
He retired following the 2002 season. During his career, Olajuwon averaged 21.8 points, 11.1 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game.
He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008, and his iconic number, 34, was retired by both the Houston Rockets and the Toronto Raptors. The legacy of “The Dream” will continue to live on through his incredible accomplishments and achievements.
He is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players to ever play in the NBA and his impact will be remembered for generations to come.
18. Jerry Lucas
Jerry Ray Lucas was one of the most accomplished basketball players of all time. He began his career as a nationally awarded high school player, and continued to excel at the collegiate level at Ohio State University, where he was a star player.
His success in college earned him a spot on the US Olympic basketball team in 1960, where he won a gold medal. After his Olympic success, Lucas went on to have a successful professional career in the NBA.
He was an All-Star multiple times and was considered one of the best players of his era. He was also inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest of all time.
19. Robert Parish
Robert Lee Parish is an iconic figure in the world of basketball. He is an American former professional basketball player who played an incredible 21 seasons in the National Basketball Association, which is tied for the second-longest in league history.
His career was remarkable and he holds an NBA record for playing 1,611 games throughout his career.
This is an impressive feat that will likely stand the test of time, showing exactly how talented and dedicated Parish was to the game. Parish was a center for the majority of his career and was well known for his strong rebounding and shot-blocking skills.
He was an exceptional athlete who was able to use his large frame to his advantage, dominating the paint and protecting the rim.
He also had great agility and ball handling skills for a player of his size, allowing him to run the court and be a valuable asset to his team. Parish played for a variety of teams during his career, including the Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, and the Boston Celtics.
He won three NBA Championships in 1981, 1984 and 1986, all with the Celtics. He also was an eight-time All-Star and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003. Overall, Robert Lee Parish is an inspiring figure in the world of basketball.
His 21 seasons in the NBA and record-breaking 1,611 games played is a testament to his talent and dedication to the sport. He will continue to be remembered as a great player and a role model for aspiring athletes.
20. Dolph Schayes
Adolph Schayes was one of the most accomplished basketball players of his era. A member of the National Basketball Association (NBA), he was a 12-time NBA All-Star and a 12-time All-NBA selection.
As a player, Schayes was known for his skill at both scoring and rebounding, which are two of the most important elements of basketball. He was also part of the Syracuse Nationals team that won the NBA championship in 1955.
Schayes later went on to become a successful coach, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA playoffs in 1976. His success as a player and coach earned him a place in both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
Schayes was an inspiration to many players and fans, and his legacy remains in the NBA today.
21. Rajon Rondo
Rajon Pierre Rondo is a well-known professional basketball player who has been playing in the NBA since 2006.
He has had quite the career, playing for the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls, and the Los Angeles Lakers, before joining the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 2018-19 season.
He is a four-time NBA All-Star, two-time All-NBA Team member, and four-time NBA assists leader. He also holds the NBA record for the most assists in a single game, with 25. Rondo has always been known for his exceptional passing ability, often leading to highlight-worthy plays.
He is also known for his defensive prowess, often being tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best player. He is a versatile guard and is able to play both on and off the ball.
He is also a great leader, often seen motivating his teammates on the court. Rondo’s time in Cleveland was short-lived, as he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in the summer of 2019.
He has since gone on to become a key contributor for the Lakers, helping them reach the 2020 NBA Finals. He is a veteran presence for the team and a valuable asset for the Lakers in the playoffs.
Overall, Rajon Pierre Rondo is a highly respected player in the NBA and has had an impressive career. He is a great passer, defender, and leader, and his experience in the league will continue to be valuable for the Lakers in the years to come.
22. Dennis Johnson
Dennis Wayne Johnson was a professional basketball player who had a successful career in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was popularly known as “DJ” and played for the Seattle SuperSonics, Phoenix Suns, and Boston Celtics.
Johnson was also a coach for the Los Angeles Clippers and was an alumnus of three different educational institutions, namely Dominguez High School, Los Angeles Harbor College, and Pepperdine University.
He was a highly respected figure in the basketball world and his accomplishments in the game are still remembered today. Johnson was a talented player who excelled in both offense and defense, and he was also known for his leadership skills.
Though his career was cut short due to injuries, his legacy still lives on in the basketball world.
23. Ray Allen
Walter Ray Allen Jr. is an American former professional basketball player who had an impressive career in the National Basketball Association. He played for 18 seasons and left an indelible mark on the game.
His skill and accomplishments earned him a place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018. Allen was a prolific scorer who could shoot the ball with pinpoint accuracy. He was a ten-time NBA All-Star and three-time NBA champion.
He also holds the record for most 3-point field goals made in NBA history.
His exceptional shooting ability and leadership helped him to become one of the most recognizable and respected players in the game. Throughout his career, Allen was always a team player, putting the success of the team ahead of his own interests.
He was a leader in the locker room and on the court, helping to create a winning culture wherever he went. His influence on the game of basketball is undeniable and his legacy will live on for many years to come.
24. George Mikan
George Lawrence Mikan Jr., better known as “Mr. Basketball”, was one of the most influential figures in the history of professional basketball. He was a star player in the National Basketball League, the Basketball Association of America, and the National Basketball Association.
Mikan began his professional basketball career with the Chicago American Gears of the National Basketball League. During his time with the Gears, he was an integral part of the team’s success, leading the team to a 1946 NBL championship.
In 1948, he moved to the Minneapolis Lakers of the NBL, where he would become the most dominant player in professional basketball. He was a five-time NBL All-Star, two-time BAA All-Star, and three-time NBA All-Star.
He won three championships with the Lakers and was named the NBA MVP in 1953-54. Mikan was also a key figure in the development of modern basketball, as he was responsible for the introduction of the shot clock and the three-second rule.
His contributions to the game of basketball were so significant that he was named one of the NBA’s 50 greatest players in 1996.
Conclusion
The Bill Russell era was one of the most dynamic and competitive periods in basketball history. Many great players emerged during this time, and each one of them made an indelible mark on the game.
The likes of Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, and others were some of the best players of their time, and the competition was incredibly fierce.
Ultimately, Bill Russell stands out as one of the best players in the Bill Russell era, and his accomplishments will forever be remembered in the annals of basketball history.
