The 50 Greatest Athletes To Ever Walk The Planet

43. Bill Russell

Image Source: Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images

The 11-time champion was the leader of a dynastic Boston Celtics club that ruled the NBA for two decades. An elite defender and rebounder, Russell regularly got the better of teams that featured fellow all-time greats in Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West. Russell’s defensive ability in the paint may be unparalleled. Though not overly skilled as an offensive player, Russell’s defensive traits still allowed for him to dominate games.