The Celtics unveiled one of several tributes to honor the late NBA legend Bill Russell ahead of their game against the 76ers on Opening Night of the 2022–23 NBA season.
Russell died on July 31 at the age of 88. Boston honored the 12-time All-Star with poem entitled “SESTINA” which was written and performed by Porsha Olayiwola, a Chicago native who lives in Boston. Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Aloe Blacc performed while Celtics guard Jaylen Brown shared a tribute to the NBA icon, sharing what made the Boston legend “great” and how Russell’s greatness went far beyond his 11 championships with the franchise.
“… Bill Russell was a great man for what and who he stood for,” Brown said ahead of Tuesday’s game. “During the peak of racial tension in our society, he represented a type of nobility and honor that transcended sports. The amount of respect he receives from his people will live on eternally. … He was a true champion both on and off the floor.”
