In a surprise announcement, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has posthumously awarded Bill Russell, the iconic Boston Celtics center and civil rights pioneer, the 2025 NBA Championships Award — an annual honor traditionally presented to the top shooting guard in men’s professional basketball.
The Hall of Fame clarified the unprecedented selection, stating that this year’s award serves as a symbolic tribute to Russell’s extraordinary championship legacy, having led the Celtics to 11 NBA titles during his historic career. Though not a shooting guard himself, Russell’s impact on winning, leadership, and sportsmanship made him a deserving honoree in what officials called a “special edition” of the award.
“This year, we chose to honor not just position-specific excellence but the spirit of championship basketball,” said Hall of Fame Chairman Jerry Colangelo. “Bill Russell is the gold standard for what it means to win at the highest level. His legacy transcends position.”
The decision has sparked a wave of praise across the basketball world, with current and former NBA stars expressing admiration. Celtics forward Jayson Tatum tweeted, “There will never be another like Bill. An eternal champion.”
The 2025 NBA Championships Award ceremony is scheduled for September 13 at the Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts
