The Celtics held their closing preseason apply on Monday. However earlier than he took the court docket on the Auerbach Heart, Jaylen Brown had some enterprise to take care of.
Brown was the one present Boston participant to attend the official renaming ceremony for the William Felton “Bill” Russell Bridge, which was held in an workplace constructing adjoining to TD Backyard.
“Thank you, Brad (Stevens), for allowing me to be late to practice to be here to honor Bill Russell,” Brown mentioned when it was his flip on the podium.
The NBA Finals MVP recalled the 2 interactions he had with Russell earlier than the Celtics legend’s demise in 2022 — one on the ESPY Awards and one when he was with Basketball Corridor of Famer Isiah Thomas, a mentor of Brown’s and a former Celtics rival.
“As I was walking up to (Russell), he gave me the middle finger. And right after, he started to smile,” Brown mentioned. “… His smile would just light up an entire room.”
The renamed bridge, previously generally known as the North Washington Avenue Bridge, spans the Charles River, connecting Charlestown to the North Finish. Brown mentioned it was becoming that such a construction now bears Russell’s title.
“We’re here to talk about the legacy of the great Bill Russell,” he mentioned. “Not only just what he’s done for basketball, how many championships he won, but how many championships he won off the basketball floor, as well. Things he stood for in the community, things with education, things he stood for in a time which was much harder than now to stand for.
“Bill Russell transcends sports. I can speak on and on about his resume, but his character, his demeanor and how he handled himself through adversity, I think that speaks volumes, especially in a time like today. I think it’s very fitting that the bridge is getting named after him, because what a bridge does is bring people together. And the leadership of sports and the role that sports play in our society is bringing people together.”
The listing of audio system at Monday’s occasion additionally included Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Gov. Maura Healey, Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca and Russell’s widow, Jeannine, with former Celtics broadcaster Mike Gorman internet hosting. Stevens, Celtics majority proprietor Wyc Grousbeck, vice chairman of basketball operations Mike Zarren, staff president Wealthy Gotham and a number of former C’s gamers additionally had been in attendance.
Brown mentioned Russell’s group work and civil rights advocacy — much more than his 11 championships and quite a few NBA accolades — make him a permanent position mannequin.
“Bill challenged us on a daily (basis),” he mentioned. “He challenged us throughout his legacy, throughout his career, throughout his time spent here, and as I maneuver through my career, I plan on continuing to walk in his light. … It’s an honor to be up here, and I think it’s very fitting that a bridge is being named after the great Bill Russell, because that’s exactly what we need — to bridge our ideals, our values to the next generation.
“So I challenge everyone in this room to continue to do the same and continue to remember what Bill Russell stood for.”
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