NBA great Bill Russell is recovering at a hospital in Nevada after he collapsed during a speaking engagement on Thursday morning.
A witness at the event told the Associated Press that the Boston Celtics legend was speaking at a Hyatt Regency Hotel about Wilt Chamberlain when he began to sway at the podium. The 80-year-old then collapsed and hotel staffers rushed to his aid.
Russell was conscious when an ambulance arrived to transport him to a local hospital as a precaution.
The former center did admit that he had “felt faint” prior to collapsing.
Boston.com reported that he is feeling better now and will be flying out of Lake Tahoe and back to his home shortly.
Russell is considered one of the all-time greats in basketball history. His impressive resume speaks for itself as he spent 13 years with the Celtics and won 11 NBA Championships with the team. He is also a 12-time All-Star and five-time MVP recipient. His number 6 has been retired by the Celtics.
In 2009, the NBA named its Finals Most Valuable Player trophy after him.