NBA History: 5 Greatest rim protectors of all time

#1 Bill Russell

Bill Russell, Boston Celtics

Bill Russell, the 11-time NBA champion, is living, walking proof that defense wins games. Bill Russell simply changed how defense was looked at in his time and revolutionized the game. The 6'10 center combined his mastery of the fundamentals of defense with excellent timing to block shots towards his teammates.

Russell was the smartest player on the court every night, period. His ability to block shots without fouling the opponent was particularly impressive. Unfortunately for history, defensive stats such as steals and blocks were not recorded during his time in the NBA. The numbers that are available, however, are simply staggering. Russell averaged 22.5 rebounds throughout his near 1000-game career. The 4-time league rebounding leader is also one of the only two players to grab more than 50 boards in a game.

Russell simply changed the way the NBA looked at centers. In his time, centers focused only on offense - using their height and strength to score. Russell, though, ignored this conception and started jumping to block shots despite being told to stay flat-footed so he could react quicker.

He was one of the only players that switched onto smaller guards, never purely guarding the opposing center. Owing to his lack of bulk, Russell was also an excellent perimeter defender. Russell won MVP honors 5 times and is a 12-time All-Star. His 11 championships (all with the Celtics) in 13 years are the most by a player in NBA history.