In this April 24, 1963, file photo, Bill Russell, right, embraces teammate Bob Cousy in the Boston dressing room after the Celtics won their fifth consecutive NBA championship on Apri. 24, 1963, beating the Lakers in Los Angeles.

Boston Celtics' Bill Russell, left, holds a corsage sent to the dressing room as he celebrates with Celtics coach Red Auerbach after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers, 95-93, to win their eighth-straight NBA Championship on Apri. 29, 1966.

Bill Russell of the Boston Celtics keeps the ball moving and out of the hands of Jim Barnes, far left, of the Los Angeles Lakers on Jan. 1, 1967. The Lakers won the game 111-110.

Bill Russell takes a shot over Lakers Jim Krebs during a playoff game in 1962.

Lakers' center Wilt Chamberlain tries to shoot against Celtics center Bill Russell during an NBA basketball finals game on May 5, 1969 at the Forum in Los Angeles.

Former Boston Celtics basketball player Bill Russell addresses an audience during a campaign fundraising event, in Boston, May 18, 2011.

President Barack Obama greets Bill Russell, former Boston Celtics' Captain, before placing a 2010 Presidential Medal of Freedom around his neck, Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington.

Bill Russell of the Boston Celtics is shown as he holds his coach, Red Auerbach, under the shower after they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 95 - 93 to win their eighth straight NBA title at Boston Garden on April 28, 1966.

Boston Celtics legendary center Bill Russell has a light moment while answering questions from members of the media after a Celtics team practice in Waltham, Mass., Oct. 11, 1999.

Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell stands courtside during a tribute in his honor in the second quarter of an NBA game against the Milwaukee Bucks in Boston, Nov. 1, 2013.

Bill Russell of the Boston Celtics is congratulated by Coach Red Auerbach after scoring his 10,000th point in a game against the Baltimore Bullets in Boston Garden on Dec. 12, 1964.

Bill Russell wears a Boston Celtics uniform for his first workout with the NBA team shortly after having signed a contract in Boston on Dec. 19, 1956.