A lot of times, people just repeat the stuff they've heard without really fact-checking it or analyzing it (and that goes for deflategate as well, which explains why I've been the turd in that punchbowl as well). This bothers me. People (often from Boston, but it is more widespread than that) often claim Russell is top 5 or the GOAT without ever having seen him play, based primarily on team accomplishments. His stats, especially given the lack of talent at his position during his time, call his exalted position into question. From highlights, you can tell he was fantastically athletic for his time, and all agree he was a great teammate and leader. Apparently, though, Russ's offensive game was pretty weak overall. Based on that, it seems unlikely that he deserves to be among the very greatest players of all time.