Respected Hall of Famer Bill Russell is arguably one of the most successful players to have ever played in the NBA, and has a lot of insight to the sport.
In a recent interview with John Hareas of NBA.com, the 11-time NBA champion was asked about all the changes in the league over the summer from the Boston Celtics' latest additions to the Miami Heat's chances of repeating and Dwight Howard being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
When asked about Howard's impact playing with the Lakers, Russell had this to say:
"We'll have to see. In Orlando, some of his skills went underused. Now, playing in L.A., with a different group and a different emphasis, how will they use his skills in order to win? With the addition of Steve Nash as well, the Lakers can be very, very good. It's going to take them at least half a season - at least - before we know how good they can be."
As one of the premier centers from his era, no player from the past has a better understanding of team chemistry and making things work on the floor than Russell.
Russell also knows the center position better than most after becoming NBA MVP five times all while averaging 22.5 rebounds per game for his career. Russell was also a brilliant coach and basketball mind as he led the Celtics to three titles as the player-coach in Boston after the retirement of Red Auerbach.
Needless to say, Russell knows his basketball and his opinion about the Lakers taking about half a season to come together or not reaching their potential until that time may be right on the money.
