Shawn Kemp names the GOAT, and it’s not Michael Jordan or LeBron James…

Michael Jordan and LeBron James always headline the GOAT debates but for Seattle SuperSonics legend Shawn Kemp, Celtics icon Bill Russell is the greatest basketball player of all time. During an appearance on the ‘All The Smoke’ podcast with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. Kemp highlighted Russell’s influence as an all-around big man.

“People get at me when I say this man, but Bill, Bill Russell. The best to play the game is not going to be the leading scorer, the best to play the game is going to be one in the middle doing a lot of different things,” Kemp emphasized.

Bill Russell’s modest scoring average of 15.1 points per game over his 13-year NBA career, with a peak season average of 18.9 points per game, often leads people to focus on his exceptional rim protection and rebounding skills as the keys to his greatness. His remarkable 22.5 rebounds per game were instrumental in guiding the Boston Celtics to 11 championships.

Kemp elaborated on why he holds Russell in such high regard, citing the extensive achievements and impact Russell had throughout his career.