Who was quicker? Bill russell or dave cowens?

Question

A lot of similarities...left-handed, great defender, can block, can score...

Answer 1

Russell was definitely quicker, more athletic, and a better jumper and defender than Cowens. Cowens was stronger, could handle the ball a little better, and had better scoring touch and range than Russell. Just keep in mind that at that level the strong players are also quick and athletic (with a few exceptions), and the quick, athletic players are also strong (watch some tape of Russell defending Chamberlain....that was a war.).

Answer 2

Cowens was very quick, and a great athlete... and he was able to take advantage of slower defenders because of his deadly out side shooting, which forced defenders to come out on him. He then used a quick first step to drive around them on his way to the hoop.

Russell was quicker, imo... he was indeed a world class athlete. He was not only quicker than Cowens, but he could run the court faster as well.

Cowens was a great, great defender...in his prime, he always did an excellent job of guarding both Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar... he gave both of them a lot of trouble... he never played against Wilt in Wilt's prime, of course. He only played Wilt after Wilt had come back from the surgery he had during the 69-70 season.

And it was fun watching Cowens go against Willis Reed... again, both left handed, great defenders, can block, can score... Cowens was quicker, Reed was much stronger. Unfortunately, that rivalry didn't last long because of Reed's injuries.

Again, between the two, Russell was quicker than Cowens, but Russell was a world class athlete.

And both could give you 48 great minutes in big games.

Answer 3

Bill Russell was a world class athlete including being a world class high jumper.

As Russell won 11 NBA rings in 12 NBA Finals in 13 NBA seasons running the court on the famous Boston Celtics fastbreak, I would say that Russell was a very athletic, quick, and talented basketball player. Russell relied upon his athleticism particularly his jumping ability to make his living as a shot blocker and rebounder with relatively no offensive skills.

Cowens was a hard nosed player who was athletic, any NBA star is going to be very much of a natural athlete; however, Cowens was a very talented offensive player particularly as an outside shooter playing center from the high post drawing the defensive center away from the basket allowing his Celtics teammates to have an easier path to the basket.

Answer 4

Russell is quicker than Dave Cowens. Both are undersized for their position and hustle a lot but the latter is a much, MUCH dirtier player. What Cowens lack in physical attributes, he made that up by his physical play.

Answer 5

Cowens was quicker that he revolutionized the center position, taking his game outside the paint. He was also faster running the floor and he did run a lot.

Answer 6

Cowens.

Answer 7

Tough question because they are both known for being relatively undersized centers who would defeat other centers with their speed and quickness.

However, since Russell was a better (if not the best) defensive player and shot blocker I think my vote goes to Russell. Russell needed all the quickness and agility he had to react quickly to opposing scorers and block the shots he did. I mean, you can actually see Russell race down to the court to block opposing GUARDS' layups!

Answer 8

Cowens...I guess.

Answer 9

hmmm someone with cow in their last name...i am thinking very
slow!!!!

RUSSELL!!!!!