Bill Russell — Atlanta Hawks
There was a time — albeit a brief one — when Bill Russell wasn’t destined to wear the iconic green and white we’ve come accustomed to see him in. The St. Louis Hawks took Russell with the No. 2 overall pick back in 1956. The Celtics desperately wanted Russell to anchor their defense, and the Hawks had interest in Boston’s veteran center Ed Macauley (a 6-time All-Star in his own right).
The rest, as they say, is history. Russell became arguably the most dominant defensive big man of all-time (not to mention a top-10 player ever). He made 12 All-Star appearances — and helped the dynastic Boston Celtics win an astounding 11 titles.
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