Bill Russell's Height
6ft 9 ⅝ (207.3 cm)
American former basketball player, remembered for playing Center for the Boston Celtics. In a 1955 Sports Illustrated it mentioned "gangling 6-foot 9 5/8-inch Bill Russell ("don't call me 6 foot 10, I'm enough of a goon as it is")" and in 1969 wrote "I just don't feel like playing anymore. I'm going to play a little golf - going to become the hottest 6-foot 9-inch black left-handed 16-handicap golfer to come along in years."
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Add a Comment63 comments
Average Guess (33 Votes)
6ft 9.61in (207.3cm)
6ft 9.61in (207.3cm)
Duhon said on 3/Aug/22
A true icon and legend. Even in his late 60s here he was still edging out Magic Johnson and Larry Bird in height despite all 3 being listed at 6'9" Click Here
A true icon and legend. Even in his late 60s here he was still edging out Magic Johnson and Larry Bird in height despite all 3 being listed at 6'9" Click Here
Mickie said on 3/Aug/22
Basketball legend, peak height as listed. He held his height better than many into middle age and even a bit beyond that.
Basketball legend, peak height as listed. He held his height better than many into middle age and even a bit beyond that.
Canson said on 1/Aug/22
RIP
RIP
Sandy C said on 1/Aug/22
RIP Bill. 🏀🗑 XX
6ft9.5/8
Bill Russell
12th February, 1934 - 31st July, 2022
RIP Bill. 🏀🗑 XX
6ft9.5/8
Bill Russell
12th February, 1934 - 31st July, 2022
Jam said on 1/Aug/22
Rob, maybe you should say he's best remembered as a basketball legend in his description. He won 11 championships in 13 years- just outrageous levels of greatness. RIP big Bill
Rob, maybe you should say he's best remembered as a basketball legend in his description. He won 11 championships in 13 years- just outrageous levels of greatness. RIP big Bill
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 31/Jul/22
RIP Bill
RIP Bill
Jawilder said on 31/Jul/22
RIP legend
RIP legend
Gustavo ortiz said on 31/Jul/22
R.I.P to the GOAT 🙏🏽🏆🕊️ 6FT9
R.I.P to the GOAT 🙏🏽🏆🕊️ 6FT9
Paul NS (6ft 0.5) said on 31/Jul/22
RIP to a legend. Not very often a 6ft 9+ guy nearly reaches 90.
RIP to a legend. Not very often a 6ft 9+ guy nearly reaches 90.
California Carpenter said on 28/Jul/22
I agree with the listed height here. I think in Bill's heyday he was a solid example of 6' 10". He always came off looking strong 6' 10" on the court. He has a tendency to slouch quite a bit, even when he's sitting down he tends to recline and put his feet up. His old school photographs from his time as a coach show he still held his 6' 10" around guys like Larry Bird and Kevin McHale.
I'm 34 and I already lose more than a half an inch in a day, in his 80's it's a wonder Bill hasn't lost more height.
Peak - 6' 10 1/8"+
Current - 6' 9 5/8"(+ or - depending on posture)
I agree with the listed height here. I think in Bill's heyday he was a solid example of 6' 10". He always came off looking strong 6' 10" on the court. He has a tendency to slouch quite a bit, even when he's sitting down he tends to recline and put his feet up. His old school photographs from his time as a coach show he still held his 6' 10" around guys like Larry Bird and Kevin McHale.
I'm 34 and I already lose more than a half an inch in a day, in his 80's it's a wonder Bill hasn't lost more height.
Peak - 6' 10 1/8"+
Current - 6' 9 5/8"(+ or - depending on posture)
177cm said on 22/Jul/21
Bill’s probably near 6’9” flat today
Bill’s probably near 6’9” flat today
Canson said on 9/Jun/21
@Editor Rob: how about a page for Oscar Robertson? One of the greatest basketball players ever
Was listed 6’5 but measured 6’4.75”. Wonder if it’s a low but maybe not far from it
Click Here
@Editor Rob: how about a page for Oscar Robertson? One of the greatest basketball players ever
Was listed 6’5 but measured 6’4.75”. Wonder if it’s a low but maybe not far from it
Click Here
Canson said on 16/Apr/21
@Junior: that’s not bad for someone that size to only lose 1” into his 80s
@Junior: that’s not bad for someone that size to only lose 1” into his 80s
Chris Junior Hernandez 1990 said on 15/Apr/21
The worst he might be Larry Bird's height 6'8.5" now. Durant look about 1" taller than Bill.
The worst he might be Larry Bird's height 6'8.5" now. Durant look about 1" taller than Bill.
Jamie 1998 said on 3/Apr/21
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 16/Feb/21
Peak: 6ft9⅝
Today: 6ft9
He's 87 years old now, surely he's lost more than 5/8 of an inch!
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 16/Feb/21
Peak: 6ft9⅝
Today: 6ft9
He's 87 years old now, surely he's lost more than 5/8 of an inch!
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 16/Feb/21
Peak: 6ft9⅝
Today: 6ft9
Peak: 6ft9⅝
Today: 6ft9
Chris Junior Hernandez 1990 said on 9/Dec/20
Durant look an inch on Bill. I think Bill was 6'8 5/8 a few years back.
Durant look an inch on Bill. I think Bill was 6'8 5/8 a few years back.
Canson said on 5/Dec/20
@Recapa: maybe even 1/8 less
@Recapa: maybe even 1/8 less
recapa said on 2/Dec/20
at least 207cm peak
at least 207cm peak
Vincent Caleb said on 30/Oct/20
@Fried chicken: agreed
@Fried chicken: agreed
recapa said on 29/Oct/20
6ft9.5 at an extreme low peak
6ft9.5 at an extreme low peak
FriedChicken said on 15/Sep/20
Yeah Bill hasn't lost a lot. And it's actually pretty strange for several reasons. The average person has a lifespan of 79 years old, at that age inch height loss for male and 2 inch loss for females is expected. But Bill here is 86 years old, and has only lost nearly an inch. Plus abnormally tall people will show more height loss as gravity isn't kind to such long spines.
Yeah Bill hasn't lost a lot. And it's actually pretty strange for several reasons. The average person has a lifespan of 79 years old, at that age inch height loss for male and 2 inch loss for females is expected. But Bill here is 86 years old, and has only lost nearly an inch. Plus abnormally tall people will show more height loss as gravity isn't kind to such long spines.
Canson said on 12/Sep/20
@Fried Chicken: that’s about as good an estimate as I’ve seen
@Fried Chicken: that’s about as good an estimate as I’ve seen
FriedChicken said on 10/Sep/20
6'9 5/8 peak, 6'8 3/4 now.
6'9 5/8 peak, 6'8 3/4 now.
Canson said on 7/Aug/20
@Junior and Rob: if he has it surely isn’t a lot of height loss. He’s not like 6’8” or anything like that from seeing him with Lebron. He was taller than Lebron by a couple. Then again that was years ago. Who knows today
@Junior and Rob: if he has it surely isn’t a lot of height loss. He’s not like 6’8” or anything like that from seeing him with Lebron. He was taller than Lebron by a couple. Then again that was years ago. Who knows today
Logan Hess said on 6/Aug/20
My guess that he is 6ft9 1/8
My guess that he is 6ft9 1/8
Chris Junior Hernandez 1990 said on 16/Apr/20
Rob, do you think Bill had lost an inch?
Editor Rob
Rob, do you think Bill had lost an inch?
Editor RobHe was bound to have lost height now.
Victor Lions said on 22/Jan/20
Hey Rob, I have some requests for NBA players. Sim Bhullar, Hamed Haddadi, Jerry West and Oscar Robertson. I am not exactly sure on their barefoot heights.
Hey Rob, I have some requests for NBA players. Sim Bhullar, Hamed Haddadi, Jerry West and Oscar Robertson. I am not exactly sure on their barefoot heights.
K.A said on 4/Dec/19
WOW! almost 90 years old and still a solid 6ft9 .
He is a good example of a naturally tall and healthy man,wish him to live a long life and put to shame those who say that taller guys live shorter.
WOW! almost 90 years old and still a solid 6ft9 .
He is a good example of a naturally tall and healthy man,wish him to live a long life and put to shame those who say that taller guys live shorter.
David Wolberg said on 18/Sep/19
Hard to tell the exact height for Bill Russell,but he is definitely a little bit over 6'9. I would guess his exact height to be 6'9 1/2 today. Bill Russell's peak height may have been as high as 6"10.
Hard to tell the exact height for Bill Russell,but he is definitely a little bit over 6'9. I would guess his exact height to be 6'9 1/2 today. Bill Russell's peak height may have been as high as 6"10.
Chris Junior Hernandez 1990 said on 6/Aug/19
I did surprise a peak Bill is taller than KD. Click Here most accurate comparison standing face to face with KD. If KD 6'9 1/2 is legit then Bill is 6'8 1/4 now not 3/4 that i previously thought. Magic Johnson peak is 6'7 1/2 and recently still look 6'7 1/4 and Larry Bird have drop from 6'8 3/4-6'9 to possible 6'8 1/4 now.
I did surprise a peak Bill is taller than KD. Click Here most accurate comparison standing face to face with KD. If KD 6'9 1/2 is legit then Bill is 6'8 1/4 now not 3/4 that i previously thought. Magic Johnson peak is 6'7 1/2 and recently still look 6'7 1/4 and Larry Bird have drop from 6'8 3/4-6'9 to possible 6'8 1/4 now.
Canson said on 1/Aug/19
@Rampage: he could go to 6’9.5 at a low but not lower. In fact I wouldn’t have a problem believing this one is his low as he was taller than Larry Bird who may have been just pushing 6’9 or even 6’8.75 peak (wasn’t even 2” taller than Magic more 1.5”). Russell May be under the 6’9” mark today though. Perhaps 6’8-6’9 or so at that age
@Rampage: he could go to 6’9.5 at a low but not lower. In fact I wouldn’t have a problem believing this one is his low as he was taller than Larry Bird who may have been just pushing 6’9 or even 6’8.75 peak (wasn’t even 2” taller than Magic more 1.5”). Russell May be under the 6’9” mark today though. Perhaps 6’8-6’9 or so at that age
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 30/Jul/19
No this looks like a measurement and he preferred to go with 6ft9 rather than round up to 6ft10
No this looks like a measurement and he preferred to go with 6ft9 rather than round up to 6ft10
Junior Hernandez 1990 said on 13/Jun/19
Bill look a weak 6'9 now probably 6'8 3/4 on the dot. 6'9 1/2 KD is taller than Bill Click Here Click Here
Click Here
Click Here
Only loosing less than an inch at 85 is pretty much in good shape for him. Kareem only 72 look to lost as much as a full inch.
Bill look a weak 6'9 now probably 6'8 3/4 on the dot. 6'9 1/2 KD is taller than Bill Click Here Click Here
Click Here
Click Here
Only loosing less than an inch at 85 is pretty much in good shape for him. Kareem only 72 look to lost as much as a full inch.
Canson said on 21/Mar/19
If he measured 6’9 5/8 then he wasn’t 6’10.25. He was 6’9 5/8 peak (Max) if that was an afternoon measurement for him. He is likely not over 6’9” today
If he measured 6’9 5/8 then he wasn’t 6’10.25. He was 6’9 5/8 peak (Max) if that was an afternoon measurement for him. He is likely not over 6’9” today
George Kaufman said on 20/Mar/19
6'9.5 now, 6'10.25 peak
6'9.5 now, 6'10.25 peak
Canson said on 20/Feb/19
Peak would be 6’9” and change. Today 6’8.5 perhaps .75
Peak would be 6’9” and change. Today 6’8.5 perhaps .75
Junior Hernandez 1990 said on 20/Feb/19
Not more than 6'8 3/4 next to 6'7 Lebron James now.
Not more than 6'8 3/4 next to 6'7 Lebron James now.
Canson said on 6/Jan/19
He needs a downgrade for current. He’s no more than a flat 6’9” if not upper 6’8” range at that age
He needs a downgrade for current. He’s no more than a flat 6’9” if not upper 6’8” range at that age
Canson said on 13/Dec/18
Don’t know how early in the day that measurement took place
Don’t know how early in the day that measurement took place
greg lehmann said on 24/Oct/18
Bill Russell was the "glue" behind the Boston Celtics paralyzing NBA dominance from 1957-1969. Although the Celtics had been winners since Red Auerbach joined the team as head coach in 1952,they had always lacked the dominating center the great NBA teams need to dominate the league. In 1956 Auerbach made a trade with St. Louis (now Atlanta) to nail 6'10" Russell. But nailing Russell would not be easy since the 1956 Olympics did not start until Thanksgiving! (The 1956 Olympics were held in Australia whose seasons are the opposite of our seasons.) When Russell joined the Celtics his rebounding and shot blocking made it hard for opposing teams to score on the Celtics. But was Russell better than Wilt Chamberlain? This is tricky to say. Wilt was the scoring threat but Russell and his Celtics rebounded better than Chamberlain. So by a neck,Russell was the better center.
Bill Russell was the "glue" behind the Boston Celtics paralyzing NBA dominance from 1957-1969. Although the Celtics had been winners since Red Auerbach joined the team as head coach in 1952,they had always lacked the dominating center the great NBA teams need to dominate the league. In 1956 Auerbach made a trade with St. Louis (now Atlanta) to nail 6'10" Russell. But nailing Russell would not be easy since the 1956 Olympics did not start until Thanksgiving! (The 1956 Olympics were held in Australia whose seasons are the opposite of our seasons.) When Russell joined the Celtics his rebounding and shot blocking made it hard for opposing teams to score on the Celtics. But was Russell better than Wilt Chamberlain? This is tricky to say. Wilt was the scoring threat but Russell and his Celtics rebounded better than Chamberlain. So by a neck,Russell was the better center.
Junior Hernandez 1990 said on 11/Sep/18
Look no more than 6'8 1/4 with more legit 6'6 3/4 Lebron James back in 2016.
Look no more than 6'8 1/4 with more legit 6'6 3/4 Lebron James back in 2016.
Canson said on 11/Jul/18
@Vic Lions: Russell was never as tall as Duncan. Duncan is a legit 6’10” guy meaning he won’t dip under the mark. Russell still looks 6’9” today and is an inch shorter than him
@Vic Lions: Russell was never as tall as Duncan. Duncan is a legit 6’10” guy meaning he won’t dip under the mark. Russell still looks 6’9” today and is an inch shorter than him
Canson said on 11/Jul/18
I think peak Russell would be 6’9.5 and still holding 6’9” today
I think peak Russell would be 6’9.5 and still holding 6’9” today
Duhon said on 8/Jul/18
Jtm said on 28/Jun/18
Duhon said on 25/Jun/18
A younger (although maybe not peak) Russell edging out Larry Bird Click Here
i think it was 1984 so he was most likely still his peak height.
He would have been 50 and Bill seems to have held on remarkably well even until today to his height. However there are a few listings here where celebs 50 and under are assumed to have lost some height.
Jtm said on 28/Jun/18
Duhon said on 25/Jun/18
A younger (although maybe not peak) Russell edging out Larry Bird Click Here
i think it was 1984 so he was most likely still his peak height.
He would have been 50 and Bill seems to have held on remarkably well even until today to his height. However there are a few listings here where celebs 50 and under are assumed to have lost some height.
Tunman said on 4/Jul/18
Rob,how tall do you think Ben Wallace is?He's listed at 6'9 but he seems nowhere near that.
Click Here:
Bill is likely in his early 70's here so must have been 6'9 flat at that time,yet looks a good 2 or 2.5"taller.I believe something near 6'7 is much more credible for Ben.
Editor Rob
Rob,how tall do you think Ben Wallace is?He's listed at 6'9 but he seems nowhere near that.
Click Here:
Bill is likely in his early 70's here so must have been 6'9 flat at that time,yet looks a good 2 or 2.5"taller.I believe something near 6'7 is much more credible for Ben.
Editor RobYeah I would say 6ft 7-7.5 is more likely for a barefoot measurement.
Junior Hernandez 1990 said on 3/Jul/18
Dipping into flat 6'9 now.
Dipping into flat 6'9 now.
Canson said on 28/Jun/18
6’9.5 at a low peak
6’9.5 at a low peak
Jtm said on 28/Jun/18
Duhon said on 25/Jun/18
A younger (although maybe not peak) Russell edging out Larry Bird Click Here
i think it was 1984 so he was most likely still his peak height.
Duhon said on 25/Jun/18
A younger (although maybe not peak) Russell edging out Larry Bird Click Here
i think it was 1984 so he was most likely still his peak height.
VicLions said on 27/Jun/18
I feel at his peak, Mr. Russell could have been a legit 6ft9.75. He appears taller than Dwight Howard who is a legit 6ft9, and the same size as Tim Duncan. Sometimes the NBA used to measure heights in the 1960s and round down.
I feel at his peak, Mr. Russell could have been a legit 6ft9.75. He appears taller than Dwight Howard who is a legit 6ft9, and the same size as Tim Duncan. Sometimes the NBA used to measure heights in the 1960s and round down.
Arch Stanton said on 27/Jun/18
Kind of looks like he could be Morgan Freeman's taller brother.
Kind of looks like he could be Morgan Freeman's taller brother.
Tunman said on 27/Jun/18
@Dream 5'9.5"
There is definitely a strong resemblance between them but mainly due to the fact that both managed to reach their 80's with minimal hair loss,and obviously same hairstyle.Interestingly there are some pics where they might look alike somehow, when younger although it's much less obvious
@Bradley
Today he must be 6'7.5 maybe 6'8 max,not that bad for a giant in his mid 80's.Out of curiosity how tall are you,I didn't manage to find a clear statement except "probably 6'6".
@Dream 5'9.5"
There is definitely a strong resemblance between them but mainly due to the fact that both managed to reach their 80's with minimal hair loss,and obviously same hairstyle.Interestingly there are some pics where they might look alike somehow, when younger although it's much less obvious
@Bradley
Today he must be 6'7.5 maybe 6'8 max,not that bad for a giant in his mid 80's.Out of curiosity how tall are you,I didn't manage to find a clear statement except "probably 6'6".
Bradley said on 26/Jun/18
Had me by a three spot 10 ago. 6-9 he be.
Had me by a three spot 10 ago. 6-9 he be.
Canson said on 26/Jun/18
Yea I’d say he’s still 6’9” no less
Yea I’d say he’s still 6’9” no less
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 26/Jun/18
Yeah definitely was a solid 207cm guy in his prime and still looked 6ft9 range w/h Obama a few years back.
Yeah definitely was a solid 207cm guy in his prime and still looked 6ft9 range w/h Obama a few years back.
Junior Hernandez 1990 said on 26/Jun/18
Peak def accurate at worst 207cm flat. Now look a flat 6'9 1/8 next to Lebron James.
Peak def accurate at worst 207cm flat. Now look a flat 6'9 1/8 next to Lebron James.
Robert sockett said on 25/Jun/18
That was his height barefoot. They measure in shoes these days in the NBA. He would be listed at 6:11” if he was in today’s NBA. He’s taller than Dwight Howard. About the same height as Tim Duncan.
Love how fools say he was under sized. They exaggerate heights today.
That was his height barefoot. They measure in shoes these days in the NBA. He would be listed at 6:11” if he was in today’s NBA. He’s taller than Dwight Howard. About the same height as Tim Duncan.
Love how fools say he was under sized. They exaggerate heights today.
Adam Scherr said on 25/Jun/18
When 15 16 years old how tall are him ? Avarage ?
When 15 16 years old how tall are him ? Avarage ?
Pappy said on 25/Jun/18
Russell was a wonderful player and so underrated for what he could do. A really, really athletic player and an Olympic level high-jumper.
Here's a picture demonstrating just how height inflated players of today are. Bill Russell, as an older man, clearly towering over 6'9" listed Ben Wallace:
Click Here
Russell was a wonderful player and so underrated for what he could do. A really, really athletic player and an Olympic level high-jumper.
Here's a picture demonstrating just how height inflated players of today are. Bill Russell, as an older man, clearly towering over 6'9" listed Ben Wallace:
Click Here
Dream(5'9.5") said on 25/Jun/18
I almost mistook him as a Tower-size version of Morgan Freeman.
I almost mistook him as a Tower-size version of Morgan Freeman.
Rampage(-_-_-)Clover said on 25/Jun/18
Nice, I requested him awhile back
But Rob, surely he’s not this today?
Editor Rob
Nice, I requested him awhile back
But Rob, surely he’s not this today?
Editor RobI'm just leaving him at peak.
Heights are barefeet estimates, derived from quotations, official websites, agency resumes, in person encounters with actors at conventions and pictures/films.
Other vital statistics like weight or shoe size measurements have been sourced from newspapers, books, resumes or social media.
Celebrity Fan Photos and Agency Pictures of stars are © to their respective owners.