IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN: TD Garden are over joy as former Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell has Returned to former team as a new….…see more

In a moment that transcends basketball, history, and legacy, TD Garden erupted with emotion today as the Boston Celtics announced the symbolic return of the late, great Bill Russell to the organization — this time, in a newly established honorary executive role that cements his eternal place at the heart of Celtics culture.

The role, titled “President Emeritus of Celtics Legacy”, is part of a sweeping new initiative by the franchise to honor its greatest heroes in deeper, more permanent ways. Though Russell passed away in July 2022, his impact on the franchise — and the sport — has only grown in the years since.

“Bill Russell never left us — and now, we’re making that official,” said Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck during a press conference at midcourt. “He is, and always will be, the soul of the Boston Celtics.”

A Legacy Reborn

The Celtics unveiled a statue of Russell inside TD Garden’s atrium today — not just to celebrate his 11 NBA championships, 5 MVP awards, and countless acts of social justice, but to introduce the new Legacy Office, which will feature Russell’s philosophies, mentorship videos, speeches, and interactive exhibits for current players, fans, and the public.

More strikingly, each future Celtics draft pick will now be introduced with the honorary phrase:

“Selected in the spirit of Bill Russell.”

“This is more than a tribute — it’s a promise,” said Celtics legend Paul Pierce, who spoke at the event. “We’re saying that every Celtic who walks through these doors will know exactly what this jersey stands for, because of Bill Russell.”

Celtics Players React

Current stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were visibly moved during the announcement ceremony, which featured archival audio of Russell speaking about leadership, integrity, and the duty of a champion.

“He’s the reason I wear green with pride,” Tatum said. “This new honor makes it feel like he’s still with us — watching, guiding, reminding us what it means to be great.”

The Garden’s Emotional Moment

The emotional crescendo came when TD Garden dimmed its lights and played a never-before-seen video message from Russell, recorded in 2021, where he spoke about the responsibility of legacy.

“Winning is more than rings. It’s how you carry others with you. That’s the only banner that really matters,” Russell said in the video, drawing tears from fans and staff alike.

A Banner Beyond Banners

The Celtics also announced a new banner — not numbered, not a title — but a “Legacy Banner” bearing Russell’s silhouette and signature. It will hang in the rafters forever, alongside the 17 championship banners he helped create.

Bill Russell has returned — not in body, but in eternal presence.
In TD Garden, in the players, in the fans, in every ounce of Celtics tradition…
He is home.