[ad_1]
Udonis Haslem recently explained on his podcast the story of Bam Adebayo saying “F-ck Bill Russell” before a game against the Celtics. “I have to repent. I love Bill. No disrespect to Bill. I love Bill. He just caught that stray dog,” Haslem admitted. However, he went on to explain that this was not a harsh comment. Instead, it was an off-the-cuff remark that was part of a larger chant for the Boston-Miami rivalry.
“Do you see a Miami Heat jersey in the Boston rafters? Ever? In life? I don’t give a shit if a Miami Heat player is in the basketball. Who is that asshole in the basketball? He is what name? Jerry West. That bastard plays for the Heat and he will never hang from the rafters. He never will. They would never hang Jerry West’s Miami Heat jersey from the Boston rafters. there has never been. Respect Bill Russell. I love him. Why does he insist on being here? ” Haslem explained.
READ MORE: Aaron Gordon out indefinitely after Christmas dog attack
Bill Russell rookie card sells for $660,000
Earlier this year, a 1957 Topps Bill Russell rookie card sold for $660,000 at an auction on the PWCC Marketplace. Not only did it break the record for a Bill Russell card, but it also became the third best-selling basketball card before the 1980s. The only cards that sold for more money were the 1961 Wilt Chamberlain rookie card ($670,000, June 2022) and the 1948 George McCann card ($800,000, March 2022).
Until recently, Russell memorabilia was rare. In 2021, he facilitated the auction of more than 700 items from his Hall of Fame career. The auction was sold between December 2021 and April 2022, with total auction profits exceeding $9 million. That includes the 1969 Finals Series-winning jersey worth $1 million. The profits are donated to a number of Boston-area charities, including Russell’s own nonprofit, Mentor. However, if the past is any guide, the current record won’t last long. Especially after Russell’s death, the value of his memorabilia soared.
READ MORE: Ja Morant appears to have gun celebration during Grizzlies win
(through)
[ad_2]
