The Lakers win the NBA Championship. Phil Jackson wins his 10th. He has now passed Red Auerbach, who won 9 with the Boston Celtics. Is Phil Jackson the greatest NBA coach of all time? Maybe so, but let's not forget Red Auerbach.
Jackson may be the greatest with his 10 rings, but the greatest winning player of all time is Bill Russell, the Celtic center for 13 years. During those 13 years, the Celtics won 11 NBA titles. No other player can claims any where near such a record of success. In addition, the Univ. of San Francisco won the NCAA championship Russell's last two years. That's 13 championships in 16 years of NCAA and NBA competition. Case closed.
In this book Russell writes of his 50 year friendship with his coach. It is quite a story.
Bill Russell and Red Auerbach changed the face of basketball. When Bill Russell came to the NBA, it was felt that good defense meant not leaving your feet. Russell changed all of that. He was the first vertical player. He dominated the game with defense, rebounding, and blocking shots. He invented a new version of basketball.
Russell and Auerbach and the other Celtic players melded into the most successful and dynamic NBA franchise ever. Auerbach more or less let Russell play the way he wished. He did not so much coach Russell as stay out of his way.
Jackson has won his 10 with 2 teams. Auerbach won his 9 with the same team. And oh yes, Auerbach won 8 NBA championships in a row! Jackson has his 10, but Auerbach has his 8 in a row.
Let's just say that they are without doubt the two greatest. But there is no doubt that Russell is the greatest winning player.
If I could pick ONE player first in my fantasy all-time basketball team, I'd start with Bill Russell. Michael Jordan would be a close second. Kobie would be my first pick amongst active players. But give me Red Auerbach and Bill Russell to start with and I'd be happy.
2 comments:
Since I did not grow up around Red, it is hard for me to compare him and Phil Jackson. I similarly do not have a feel for Bill Russell, but I like your description of his accomplishments.
Some are now comparing Kobe to Jordan. Do you think Kobe is the better than Jordan or, if not, could surpass him by the end of his career?
Kobe may surpass Jordan eventually, but as of today, I'll take Michael Jordan.
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