Bill Russell was my idol. I looked up to him on the court and off. His success on the court was undeniable; he was dominate and great, winning 11 NBA championships. Off the court, Bill Russell paved the way for guys like me. pic.twitter.com/ZMIrEx8Tne

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 31, 2022

An announcement… pic.twitter.com/KMJ7pG4R5Z

— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) July 31, 2022

Charles Barkley's statement regarding the passing of Bill Russell pic.twitter.com/kVwqnBchzO

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) July 31, 2022

pic.twitter.com/tlKQeFJP4f

— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 31, 2022

Man… Bill Russell.

One of the most important athletes who ever lived. And one of the greatest. RIP.

— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) July 31, 2022

Thank you for everything! R.I.P Legend 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/tn2iGsArav

— Jayson Tatum (@jaytatum0) July 31, 2022

I’m thinking these two met up already today and are having an epic reunion. pic.twitter.com/QKjeDRVJbL

— George Karl (@CoachKarl22) July 31, 2022

The definition of champion, on and off the court. Thank you for everything, Bill. pic.twitter.com/tB5nLoslSF

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 31, 2022

Today, we lost a giant.

As tall as Bill Russell stood, his legacy rises far higher—both as a player and as a person.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 31, 2022

Bill Russell was a legendary player and coach, and an even better person. He approached everything he did with determination, principle, and wisdom. I will always be grateful for the chance to call him my friend. pic.twitter.com/CmMVzLJUJJ

— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) July 31, 2022

Thanku for being a trailblazer , pioneer Thanku for setting the bar , for ur kind words of wisdom, Thanku for that great laugh u had . I can go on all day about what u meant to me . Today is a sad day for the NBA family u will be forever missed #6

— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) July 31, 2022

A statement from Hornets Chairman Michael Jordan on the passing of NBA legend Bill Russell. pic.twitter.com/RdYcnuCrmb

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) July 31, 2022

12 time @NBA All-Star
11 NBA rings
5 MVPs
No 3-point line
No social media
Just played and dominated in a day and a league that was def not soft. @celtics to the core ☘️
RIP @RealBillRussell 😢 #LEGENDARY pic.twitter.com/mG7K1AOfQq

— marcus smart (@smart_MS3) July 31, 2022

The world lost a legend with the passing of Bill Russell. His impact on basketball and society will not be forgotten. He handled every adversity with dignity and grace, and walked away a champion. My condolences to his family and those blessed enough to call him a friend.

— Patrick Ewing (@CoachEwing33) July 31, 2022

Unapologetically himself at all times!! The ultimate leader and just happened to be one of the best hoopers ever! RIP Mr Russell, you will be dearly missed 🙏🏾🕊 pic.twitter.com/30xXhoGXsj

— Chris Paul (@CP3) July 31, 2022

This is a teary-eyed Sunday knowing that we lost a legendary human being @RealBillRussell His dedication to civil-rights, human-rights and the sport of basketball puts him beyond legendary status. That smile will be missed. pic.twitter.com/fmZSmFVkqp

— Robert Horry (@RKHorry) July 31, 2022

Rest in peace Bill Russell you were everything we all aspired to be, your winning spirit will live forever my friend. Thank you for your words of wisdom. pic.twitter.com/rBjFS6nhzW

— Isiah Thomas (@IsiahThomas) July 31, 2022

Legends are forever.

RIP Bill Russell, truly a titan of our game. pic.twitter.com/EKpLABwzmT

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) July 31, 2022

One of the most dominant players in @NBA History. An 11 times NBA Champion and one of the best to have ever done it.

I’ll forever be honored to have met you. Thank you for everything you have given to the game and all of us. Rest in peace, @RealBillRussell. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/HOouLIrXWv

— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) July 31, 2022