Gap Closer Defensively Between Bill Russell and Wilt or Hakeem & Ben Wallace/Mutombo.

[coastalmarker99]

I will still say that Russell is the Goat defender but I would argue that his impact on that side of the floor was greatly helped by Red and his coaching schemes which were way ahead of his time such as his full-court press which basically destroyed most teams.

Hell in the 1964 finals that full-court press by the Celtics basically destroyed the Warriors as the Guards struggled to get the ball past halfcourt and into Wilt's hands.

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Also in 1956-57

The Celtics played the first 24 games of 1956-57 w/o Russell who was at the Olympics.

In 24 first games w/o Russell Celtics were

16-8, .66.7 % (pace of 55 W in 82 g)

Best record in NBA (Syracuse 2nd at .528)

105.2 P/G

100.6 P/G opponents

Thus, in 1956-57, the Celtics were by far the best defensive team in the NBA without Russell due to Red's full-court press.

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Russell himself has admitted that he wouldn't have had nearly close to the same impact he did defensively without Red's help


And I agree with him.