LeBron James. Michael Jordan.
In the NBA stratosphere, that's the usual argument as in who is the greatest NBA player of all time. Michael Jordan represents championship success with a splendid combination of individual success. James leans more on the individual but has a fruitful championship pedigree as well.
But for some reason, Bill Russell doesn't enter many of the conversations about who is the GOAT. While we are naturally prisoners of the moment, Russell's accomplishments as a player can't be denied. 11-time champion, five-time Most Valuable Player award winner and 11-time All-NBA player. Russell is one of the world's most accomplished athletes in history.
It's why Magic Johnson, legendary NBA Hall of Famer who has no problems giving props, paid tribute to Russell most recently at a function. According to Johnson, Russell was the player who inspired him to win championships.
Magic Johnson with an ode to Bill Russell pic.twitter.com/sU1kmtqCnY
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) February 23, 2020
Russell himself paid tribute to the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, by wearing his jersey. But Russell and Johnson's nods to NBA legends should bring about one major point. It's imperative that we give the people our flowers while they can still smell them. Russell is 86 years old and it's no telling how much longer we will have him. It's best that we acknowledge our legends while they are here.
While we could debate who is the greatest player of all time, it's best to acknowledge our legends now. Tip of the hat to Magic Johnson for shouting out his inspiration in his presence. We as people have to make sure we do the same in our own life.
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