The case for Bill Russell - over Michael Jordan and Lebron James

(Even if you don't care a hoot or know diddley about basketball, I think you'll like this)

First off, in any sport it is virtually impossible to pick a GOAT (greatest of all time). Times change. Rules change. Players change. Culture changes. A statistic that was once highly valued become meaningless. Another statistic that was once trivial becomes greatly treasured.

Nevertheless, such discussions always interest me greatly.

I will not name any statistics from the careers of either Michael Jordan or Lebron James here in this column. They are both touted plenty enough, as is.

My purpose is to bring to light the absolutely unparalleled career and life of Bill Russell, who passed this past week at the age of 88.

• 11 NBA championships.

  Most of all time - by far. 11 is more NBA championships than both MJ and Lebron achieved when COMBINED together. It is a record that may well go unbroken for centuries. In a “team” sport, as basketball is - in contrast to golf, which is highly “individualistic” - one may well make the case that the greatest player is the one who has led his team to the most championships. And that would be Bill Russell.