Post by eric on May 29, 2023 17:33:45 GMT -5
Bill Russell
C
6'10"
226
23
San Francisco
A revolutionary player and 2x National Champion, Russell comes into the league as the best defender college or any other basketball has ever seen. He blocks shots with alarming frequency and keeps other teams off the offensive glass with ease, swallowing up every available defensive board. Uncanny, even frightening defensive instincts, combined with Olympic tier athleticism allow Russell to cover up for an entire team's defensive miscues - some teams run man to man, some teams run zone, San Francisco ran the "Hey, Bill" scheme; when a teammate got beat Russell would make the rotation before they could even call out for help. He's never going to shoot a 3... and his FT stroke needs improving... and he's at times too unselfish looking to pass, a trait opposing defense can leverage into turnovers, exacerbated by Russell being more wiry than strong enough to power through to the hoop. Coaches will easily tolerate a few awkward layup attempts and telegraphed passes in exchange for Russell's preternatural defensive ability, a tolerance that unfortunately leads to limited future growth prospects.