Boston unveils statue of NBA great Bill Russell

BOSTON (AP) — It was a day to honor another of Boston's greatest sports champions.

A statue of former Celtics star Bill Russell was unveiled Friday at City Hall Plaza, though a scheduled public ceremony to mark the event was called off due to weather concerns.

Russell played center from 1956 to 1969, also serving as player-coach for three seasons. During that 13-year period, the Celtics won 11 NBA titles.

Russell was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975 and some believe Friday's Boston honor is long overdue.

President Barack Obama awarded Russell with a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011 and Obama was given a sneak preview of the statue designed by a local artist during his visit to the city on Wednesday.

Cox Media Group