BILL Russell has received the first Lifetime Achievement award, responding with some trash talk and then praise for the big men who honored him.
Hall of Famers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, David Robinson, Shaquille O’Neal, Alonzo Mourning and Dikembe Mutombo were on stage on Monday night (Tuesday, Manila time) at the NBA Awards show to present the honor to Russell, who won 11 championships as a player with the Boston Celtics and went on to become the NBA’s first black coach.
Russell pointed at them and said he would kick all their butts. After a long laugh from the crowd that was standing and cheering, Russell told the other centers that “you have no idea how much respect I have for you guys.”
The NBA Finals MVP award is named for Russell, who was one of the most dominant defensive players in NBA history.
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