By Brandon Zhu
On this day in 1965, Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell signed a $100,001 dollar contract to become the NBA’s highest paid player, making one dollar more than arch-rival Wilt Chamberlain. However, In a recent interview Russell claimed that they weren’t necessarily rivals. Instead, “they were both competitors with the ultimate belief in their own greatness.” Some people may disagree with the rivalry aspect, but none can argue against either’s greatness. Bill Russell was a 12x All Star, All Star MVP, 4x Rebounding Champ, 1968-69 All-Defensive Team, 11x All-NBA Team, 5x League MVP, and 11x NBA Champion. Wilt Chamberlain was a 13x All Star, All Star MVP, 11x Rebounding Champ, 2x All-Defensive Team, 10x All-NBA Team, 4x League MVP, and 2x NBA Champion. The accolades for the two hall of famers were endless. Through their individual battle for greatness, they made each other better. The extra dollar is just another illustration of the competitive spirit both legends lived by.