Renamed Boston Bridge, “very fitting” honor for Bill Russell

The Celtics held their final preseason practice on Monday. But before entering the courtroom at the Auerbach Center, Jaylen Brown had some business to take care of.

Brown was the only current Boston player to attend the official renaming ceremony for the William Felton “Bill” Russell Bridge, which took place in an office building next to TD Garden.

“Thank you, Brad (Stevens), for allowing me to be late to practice to honor Bill Russell,” Brown said when it was his turn at the podium.

The NBA Finals MVP recalled the two interactions he had with Russell before the Celtics legend's death in 2022 – one at the ESPY Awards and one when he was with Basketball Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas, a mentor to Brown and a former Celtics rival.

“As I walked up to (Russell), he gave me the middle finger. And right after that he started smiling,” Brown said. “…His smile would just light up a whole room.”