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UNC Basketball: Michael Jordan issues statement on Bill Russell’s passing

By Nick Delahanty

Former NBA great Bill Russell (L) hands Michael Jordan (R) of the Chicago Bulls his fifth Maurice Podoloff Most Valuable Player Trophy for the 1997-98 season 18 May, at a press conference at the Sheraton North Shore Hotel in Northbrook, Illinois. Jordan is trying to lead the Bulls to their sixth NBA title. AFP PHOTO/Jeff HAYNES (Photo by JEFF HAYNES / AFP) (Photo by JEFF HAYNES/AFP via Getty Images)
Former NBA great Bill Russell (L) hands Michael Jordan (R) of the Chicago Bulls his fifth Maurice Podoloff Most Valuable Player Trophy for the 1997-98 season 18 May, at a press conference at the Sheraton North Shore Hotel in Northbrook, Illinois. Jordan is trying to lead the Bulls to their sixth NBA title. AFP PHOTO/Jeff HAYNES (Photo by JEFF HAYNES / AFP) (Photo by JEFF HAYNES/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Former UNC basketball standout Michael Jordan released a statement on the passing of NBA legend and Boston Celtic great Bill Russell. 

The basketball world received some very sad news on Sunday, as it was announced that NBA legend Bill Russell has passed away at the age of 88.

In the official statement posted on Russell’s Twitter account, it was said that the NBA Hall of Famer died “peacefully” with his wife by his side. The cause of death was not provided, but it should be noted that Russell was well enough in June to present the NBA Finals MVP trophy due to what was described as a “long illness.”

Russell was the cornerstone of the Boston Celtics organization that saw a ton of success during his tenure. Overall, Russell helped the Celtics win 11 championship titles, including an incredible stretch of eight in a row.

The sports world has reacted to the news, as the loss of Russell is mourned throughout the world. One of the notable NBA Hall of Famers to release a statement was former UNC basketball standout Michael Jordan, who had this to say about Russell’s passing.

Before Jordan’s illustrious career in the NBA, Russell was considered by many to be the greatest basketball player ever. As the former Tar Heel said in his statement, Russell was a “pioneer who paved the way and set an example for every Black player who came into the league after him, including me (Jordan).”

The loss of Russell is a big one for sure, but his legacy is one that will certainly be carried on by the tons of people that he influenced throughout his amazing life.

The Keeping It Heel team sends our condolences to the Russell family.

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