Russell of the Boston Celtics
is considered by many to be
the greatest player of all time.
points, grabbed 21,620 rebounds and had 4,100
assists. But the one outstanding quality that won
him the most respect was his ability to make his
teammates play better. He led his team to 11
championships over his 13-year career. When
Sports Illustrated named Russell the "best team
player on the ultimate winning team," he told
writer Frank Deford, "Friendship takes a lot of
effort if it's going to work," which the writer took
as a "philosophical contemplation about the con-
cept of team that had made [Russell] the most di-
vine teammate there ever was."
the bench to lead the New York Knicks to a
string of victories, he caused a sensation in a
New York minute. He energized his team with
his speed, passing, dribbling and scoring from
the outside. In just weeks he went from an un-
drafted player to being one of the game's emerg-
ing stars, even earning an invitation to the All
Star weekend.