By now, Atlanta Hawks fans are aware that it was this organization that originally drafted the legendary Bill Russell. Likewise, many NBA fans are well aware that he never donned a Hawks jersey but, instead, playing his entire 13-year career with the Boston Celtics before becoming their head coach.
In that time, the Celtics won 11 NBA Finals including eight straight from 1959-66.
What many may not have known until last year was how racial tensions played into Russell’s not wanting to play for the Hawks who were then playing in St.