My Review On "Bill Russell Legend" Documentary

 When I began watching NBA basketball in the mid to late 1960s, there were many superstars,  classic stars who are still remembered today.  There was Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Oscar Robertson, Jerry Lucas, and Walt Frazier.  Two figures, however, literally towered over the game during that period, Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell.  Both were bearded, tall, and fierce.

Bill Russell Legend is a two part documentary on Netflix. It is an in-depth look into a man who could rightfully be considered the greatest player of all time. During his time with the Celtics, Russell helped the team win 11 championships.  But Russell was much more than a great athlete, he was a cerebral, well read player, a civil rights activist, and most importantly, the country's first African American coach in any sport. He was player-coach of the Boston Celtics in the late 60s.  At the time, the Celtics were  the equivalent of MLB's New York Yankees.  Today, perhaps, the Lakers are thought of in that sense. According to the Wikipedia, both teams have won 17 championships apiece. , as of this writing.

In many ways, Russell went through many of the trials and tribulations of Jackie Robinson, the first African-American Major League Baseball player. The show portrays Russell as a work in progress, a man troubled by a life of facing discrimination, a multi-dimensional individual who seemed to be finding peace within himself in the later stages of his life. 

Growing up, I had many African American sports heroes.  At the time, I did not realize all the discrimination these great players faced.  Bill Russell is an example.  According to the documentary, many people in Boston did not except a black player in their town. Bill Russell suffered from discrimination and hostility from the city's media for not being open and appreciative to fans. 

I think that the strength of this documentary is that it goes beyond Russell theplayer and gives his perspective on his life.  Many well known NBA players are featured giving their views of who Russell was and what he brought to the game. 

Russell, who passed away last summer (July 2022), would become coach of the Seattle in the mid 70s, leading the team to its first playoff berth.  Russell would spend many decades living here in the Seattle area.  I had always hoped to meet him, but it was not to be.  I did meet his daughter, years ago at a State Democratic Convention.