The NBA universe lost one of its gems a day ago. 11-time champion Bill Russell passed away at the age of 88 besides. Deep mourning loomed over the NBA world as Russell was more than just an athlete. The civil rights fighter paved the way for African-Americans in the USA. Kareem Abdul Jabbar, a man who looked up to him shared several stories about the Hall of Famer. One of them was how it took him over 50 years to get an autograph.

In June 1967, an iconic movement took place to defend Muhammad Ali. The Heavyweight great was standing against going into war. His choice brought unfair consequences. The boxing legend was stripped of his title. And Russell and many other top black athletes gathered to stand up. This was a time a young UCLA athlete fell in love with a legend of the game.

Despite being a college pup, Kareem wanted to stand for a change and stood alongside Ali. This was the time the relationship between the all-time scorer and the greatest winner began.

Kareem took long enough to approach Bill Russell

All through his career, the Lakers legends looked up to the great Bill Russell. He studied his game relentlessly. Likewise, Russell’s countless lessons paid off. He retired as one of the best players of all time. Abdul-Jabbar remains to have the most points in the history of the NBA. A perfect honor for the legacy that Mr. Russell left behind.

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The all-time points leader made a relationship that would last for 60 years. However, it took him half a century to ask for a favor from his childhood.

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During a commercial shoot, he finally got the courage to get Russell’s mark. He said: “I was 67 years old when I finally got up the courage to ask Bill for something I’d wanted since meeting him 53 years ago.” The 5-time champ continued, “I whipped out the jersey from behind my back. His home jersey from the Celtics. Number 6. I held up a black Sharpie. “Mind autographing this for me?”

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Russell was a teacher for many of the great players. A legendary figure on and off the court, the 5 time MVP made a vast impact. Going through major adversity, he stood for a change. Without Bill Russell, the position of NBA players would be very different. A pioneer in the game, Russell changed the game forever. The greatest team winner in the history of sports and his presence will surely be missed in the NBA world.

Do you think there is anyone who made a bigger impact than the Celtics legend? Let us know your views in the comments below.