Celtics legend Bill Russell honored at the inaugural NBA Awards

Legendary Boston Celtics center Bill Russell was presented with a Lifetime Achievement award at the inaugural edition of the NBA Awards last night, and it was everything you would expect from the outspoken big man.


Surrounded by some of the greatest bigs to ever grace the hardwood - David Robinson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Alonzo Mourning, Dikembe Mutombo, and Shaquille O’Neal - Russell was nothing short of regal and intimidating, pointing his finger at his fellow frontcourt legends, smirking while saying "I'll kick your ass!" after a speech lauding his skill, intellect, and perseverance in a climate of overt racism in the early NBA wasn't just in character, it was the Russell archetype.



Never afraid to speak his mind - or lacking in confidence - Russell accepted the award like he does everything: head-on, with equal parts mirth and aggression. Watch the full video yourself for the complete experience, and see why I wonder if he could still be an enforcer, if only with his ice-cold stare.

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Photo via the Boston Celtics
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