Bill Russell was an outstanding basketball player who was one of the best of all time in his specialty, which was winning. Presented is a Bill Russell signed limited edition action photo display, a photo that was selected by the Hall of Fame center himself. The 6'9" pivot was born in 1934 in Monroe, Louisiana, but grew up in Oakland, California. Russell played high school basketball for McClymonds H.S. in Oakland, and then for the University of San Francisco, where he led the Dons to two National Championships. Russell then continued his winning as he helped the 1956 United States Men's Olympic Basketball Team to the Gold Medal. Then, Russell played from 1956-69 with his only NBA team, the Boston Celtics. 

With Boston, Russell was the key defensive player and main rebounder on Celtics teams that won an incredible 11 NBA titles in his 13 seasons. Official blocked shot statistics weren't kept by the NBA during Russell's playing career, but some observers thought that he averaged about 8 or 9 blocks a game during his peak - an amazing number. Russell effectively originated a technique in which instead of theatrically blocking a ball into the stands, he often gently blocked the ball into the air and caught it himself, thus giving his team possession of the ball instead of letting his opponents take the ball from out of bounds. Russell averaged 22.5 total rebounds per game, 15.1 PPG, and 4.3 APG. He was a 5-time NBA MVP. Russell signed the photo in silver marker and added his "#6" and an unknown hand added, also in silver marker, the limited-edition number of "21/300."

The offered signed, color photo is at the top of the display, and the photo measures 7.25x9.5". It shows the home team Philadelphia 76ers playing the visiting Boston Celtics. The photo shows 76ers small forward, Billy Cunningham, apparently guarded by Boston's John Havlicek. Cunningham, who could leap, is going up for a shot. The Philadelphia center, Wilt Chamberlain, Russell's nominal man on defense, is under the basket. Russell goes skyward for the block. Beneath the photo is a Bill Russell signed COA, measuring 7.75x9.5". The COA has an image of Russell, and Russell's machine printed words; "This certifies that I, William F. Russell, personally selected and signed this photo from the NBA Archives. The photo was taken in Philadelphia and is one of my favorite defensive pictures of Billy Cunningham trying to take a shot." Bill Russell had a droll sense of humor. Notice his exact words "...Billy Cunningham trying to take a shot," Russell never says Cunningham actually got the shot off, as it was almost surely one of Russell's many blocks. Russell signs in fine tip blue marker, a bold signature as "William F. Russell." An unknown hand, using blue ink, added the limited-edition number of 21/300." The overall display is matted and framed to 14.25x22.25". The display is in EXCELLENT condition.

Estimated domestic USA shipping cost only. Does not include handling or insurance: 47.62 Please feel free to contact us for a more accurate shipping cost.