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Bill Russell 1967-68 Boston Celtics Home Jersey

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Bill Russell 1967-68 Boston Celtics Home Jersey
An Olympic gold medalist in 1956, and a twelve-time NBA All-Star, the aloof, introspective Russell was always more concerned with winning than personal stats or individual recognition. If any player in the history of the game could be defined by the single word "winner" it was Russell. The 6' 10" center out of the University of San Francisco was the cornerstone of the Boston Celtics' dynasty of the 1960's. An uncanny shot blocker, Russell revolutionized NBA defensive concepts. A five-time NBA Most Valuable Player and a 12-time All-Star, the angular center amassed 21,620 career rebounds, an average of 22.5 per game and led the league in rebounding four times. He had 51 boards in one game, 49 in two others and a dozen consecutive seasons of 1,000 or more rebounds. His many individual accolades were well deserved, but they were only products of Russell's philosophy of team play. His greatest accomplishment was bringing the storied Celtics 11 championships in his 13 seasons, a record of success that is seemingly unfathomable in team sports today. Until the ascent of Michael Jordan in the 1980's, Russell was acclaimed by many as the greatest player in the history of the NBA. Some consider the issue still worth debating. This Boston Celtics home dureen jersey was worn by the Hall of Fame great during the World Championship season of 1967-68. It can be pinpointed to this specific year based on the fact that this was the last year the Celtics used dureen jerseys and it was also the last year that this style "Wilson" label was used. On the left tail is the "Wilson" label with the size tag "46" adjacent. Across the front of the jersey is the name "Celtics." The player number "6" appears on both the front and back. Both the name and number are made of green tackle twill. Measurable game wear is evident. Another of the many distinctive footnotes to Russell's magnificent career occurred in 1967 when his role was expanded to player/coach for the Celtics. The move made him the first African American head coach in NBA history. LOAs from MEARS (A10) and Grey Flannel.

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