What If Bill Russell Never Existed? 

The Royals might've had a chance of staying as the Royals if they had those back to back championships.

So many things change if there's no Russell. First, a lot of Hall of Fame teammates that people always point out in downplaying Russell's championships, don't make the HoF. Cousy, Hondo, and Sam Jones still do. Some others are borderline. At a minimum, KC Jones and Don Nelson do not make the Hall. Next, with championships, Elgin Baylor is seen as the first in a succession of Jordan like players. He really was that good. Also, Oscar Robertson gets more love today in GOAT conversations. Cincinnati and Syracuse might still have NBA franchises. The Warriors probably stay in Philly, and it's the Sixers that move to California. The Celtic Mystique doesn't exist, so the 84 Lakers are not as susceptible to the head games of the C's. They might win that title. It hurts me to say that as a lifelong Celtics fan, but it's a possibility.

Well West would still be the logo for the NBA.

Jerry and Elgin would for sure be top 10 and wilt would be the goat more than likely. Oh and bob Pettit would have another ring.

Cool video, Uncle Hays! I'm a viewer of Jonny Arnett's videos also. You both make great videos. I've watched some of your other videos, like about how the New Orleans Jazz became the Utah Jazz, how Buffalo lost their team, and the NBA's strangest all star game MVP (and others). You do a nice job. I enjoy learning NBA history and it's been great learning more - especially about the 70s - from your videos. I'm going to subscribe. It's intriguing how much would change with Russell not being in the NBA. As you indicated, it would be impossible to predict exactly how much would change and what would change, but it was cool seeing the simulation results. I know Russell inspired many as well, so it would be interesting (though hard, if not impossible to predict) how much this would affect other players throughout history. Nice work again. :). Take care.

The thumbnail says it all. Without Bill Russell in the NBA - both Wilt Chamberlain and Baylor / West on the Lakers are vying for Russell's title as "Championship GOAT".

Wilt would probably be seen as the GOAT in this scenario

Very cool video. As for the player who benefits the most from Russell’s absence, it is without a doubt Wilt Chamberlain. If Chamberlain had his statistical profile and also had 3 or 4 more rings because Russell wasn’t there to beat him all those times, Wilt would definitely be near the top in discussions of the greatest player of all time. Next on the list would be Oscar Robertson, Jerry West and Elgin Baylor and Bob Pettit in some order. All of whom would have at least one or two more championships on their resume.

great video idea and i also love jonnt arnett videos and you definitely give the same vibes. sending good vibes your way brother

Good clip, very entertaining.

I subscribed both of you . Jonny Arnett and uncle hays. U both deserve 1m subscribers like Mike korzemba

People forget Red Auerbach tried to get Wilt Chamberlain on the Celtics but put the brakes on it out of respect for Bill Russell. While Chamberlain was in college Auerbach tried what was known at the time as a regional draft acquisition of Chamberlain. That didn’t work out but my point is in a scenario where Bill Russell doesn’t exist Wilt likely exist as a Celtic. Honestly it’s good that it didn’t happen because we’d be hearing about the unbreakable 12 or 13 nba titles Red Auerbach won.

I see you used WhatifSports for the Sim. While that’s fun to use, I know they changed the way the Sim is done over the years to favor teams that use Lebron, Magic and now Jokic.

Hey just curious, where do you find most of information on basketball history. You have a very expansive knowledge of the game and its history and I would like to learn more about older teams and players. Thank you, huge fan of your videos!

Hey what website can you do these scenarios on? Thought I’d try one out myself.

Not a goddamn thing would change. Auerbach would fleece some team for another All-Star center and the Celtics would win nine championships in 10 seasons. He was, is and always will be the No. 1 reason for their success.

Good video man❤❤❤❤

This is why I have Bill #2

That was fun

If Bill didn’t exist, Wilt would have won more rings, and the Big O in Cincy as well!

with russell and without russell, the celtics would have won at least 6 championships because they were a good hall of fame team, maybe the lakers would have won three title and st louis philadelphia wilt also

In the beginning you mention Schayes passing Mikan for the scoring record. My understanding was that was the BAA/NBA record, but you used the words “organized basketball”, is this just different word choice for what I described or did the record at the time account for scoring in leagues outside of those two?

wilt would have won so many more chips

You skipped over the 1967 Finals 🤔

I wish he gave up basketball to be an activist and try to become the 1st black president, things would be better

easy Lakers would have won 20+ NBA Championship

Red Auerbach likely would have managed to grab Wilt to the Celtics if he didnt have his franchise center. I dont remember the details. Maybe that Wilt documentary Goliath had more.

Nice vid Uncle. Jonny is a great inspiration, and don't worry we will always have Hondo's steal in this timeline.

Amazing intro music!

What did you use for the simulation?