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NBA: 30 greatest playmakers in NBA history

By Jerran Anderson

(Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Bill Russell, Boston Celtics
(Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /

6. Bill Russell, Boston Celtics

Bill Russell was one of the best playmaking centers and one of the most decorated players in Boston Celtics history. He played with the Celtics for 13 seasons, making 12 All-Star appearances and winning 11 NBA titles, the most by any player in the history of the league.

Russell put up 15.1 points, 22.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game as an unstoppable force in the paint. He won five NBA Finals MVP award and five regular-season MVP awards in his time with Boston.

Before Michael Jordan, Russell dominated the league with his ability to defend and rebound the ball, complementing the abilities of fellow Hall of Famers Bob Cousy and Bill Sharman. They made up one of the most dynamic teams on both ends of the hardwood.

He recorded 22 points and 35 rebounds in Game 7 of the 1960 NBA Finals against the then-St. Louis Hawks. From 1958 to 1966, Russell was one of three Celtics players that won eight consecutive NBA titles as a member of the Boston organization.

Russell gave the ultimate anchor to have on the glass, leading the league in rebounds per game on five different occasions. He snagged a career-high 24.1 rebounds per contest during the 1963-64 campaign. He currently ranks second in league history in total rebounds with 21,620.