The Boston Celtics have won more championships that any franchise in the NBA and its no wonder when you start your franchises run of championships with a center that would dominate the game for years to come and his name was Bill Russell. The Celtics won their first championship in 1957, but what year did Bill Russell get drafted by Boston?

A. 1954
B. 1957
C. 1956
D. 1955
E. 1972

The answer is C. The Celtics drafted Russell out of the University of San Francisco in 1956. Drafting Bill Russel was one of the best moves the Celtics ever made as he would lead them to 11 NBA Finals championships during his Celtic career.

Bill Russel was a legendary player. He was the first African-American to achieve superstar status in the NBA. Bill Russel followed the footsteps of the early pioneers Earl Lloyd, Chuck Cooper and Ray Felix who were the the first African Americans to play in the NBA. Russell encountered much racism in Boston and for years he had little to do with fans and the press.

When Red Aurebach drafted Russell he went against the grain as far as centers were concerned. During that time, most centers were used for offense, but this time Red would use his center on the defensive end. Red’s strategy worked out just fine as Russell’s defense propelled Boston’s offense. It was perhaps the greatest draft pick of all-time in the NBA.

- John A. Roberts

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Tags | 1956 NBA Draft, 1956 NBA Draft pick, Basketball, Bill Russel, Boston Celtics, NBA, Red Aurebach