If filmmakers ever try a remake of “The Town” – Why mess with perfection? – a few changes would be necessary. For one, Fenway Park has gone cashless.

Two, the real money these days is in crypto.

And, finally, when Doug MacRay and his crew escape from the cops in Boston – they would now cross the William Felton “Bill” Russell Bridge to find refuge in “The Town.”

That would close a circle for the Celtics. Coach Joe Mazzulla has made the 2010 flick his team’s cinematic muse.

Jeannine Russell finds similar harmony with this brand-new bridge to be named in her late husband’s honor today in Boston.

The North Washington Street Bridge replaced what was long known by the locals as the Charlestown Bridge. Today, with Mayor Michelle Wu, Russell, and a cadre of dignitaries on hand, the structure officially becomes the William Felton “Bill” Russell Bridge.

“This bridge, like Bill, stands strong and enduring. It connects people with purpose, just as he connected the struggles of the past with the hopes of the future. It symbolizes progress—moving us forward while reminding us of the foundations that hold us up. I am so pleased and grateful for all involved who made this day happen,” Jeannine Russell told The Herald exclusively ahead of today’s ceremony via text message.

Under construction since 2018, soon-to-be-named William Felton “Bill” Russell Bridge spans the Charles River between Boston’s North End and Charlestown.

While the bridge took 6 years to construct, the decision to name it in Russell’s honor moved from start to finish in just 4 months.

Russell expressed her deep appreciation for the effort made by Mayor Wu’s office in making the decision to name the bridge for Basketball’s GOAT. And for finishing the entire process in the time span since the Celtics clinched Banner 18 with a 106-88 rout of the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden on June 17.

“The naming of the bridge was accomplished, start to finish, in under 4 months, which speaks for the efficiency of her wonderful team,” she added.

The Herald also spoke to Jeannine Russell exclusively at length during the NBA Finals. She had posted – via the social media account bearing her late husband’s name – 3 simple words that broke the interwebs during Game 2 against Dallas.

“LET’S GO CELTICS!”

Tongue-in-cheek cries of Bill Russell returning from the great beyond were soon mollified after she clarified – through her own channels – that she was posting under her husband’s name.

One of the many benefits reaped by the Celtics’ dominance in the postseason was a rekindling and retelling in the story of Russell, who passed away at age 88 on July 31, 2022.

Wu’s statement in announcing today’s ceremony said the bridge is being named for Bill Russell the man, and not Bill Russell the basketball player.

“The bridge renaming will honor his dedication to civil rights and the fostering of Boston’s youth and young athletes,” Wu’s office said in a statement.

She has a point. They don’t name tunnels after baseball players, either. USMC Captain Ted Williams went 39-0 in the skies over Korea while serving as John Glenn’s wingman in what’s been deemed “America’s Forgotten War.” He also played for the Red Sox.

We’ve long documented Russell’s accomplishments off the court, and the real-life, real-world sacrifices, threats and acts of hate he endured while playing Boston.

But one should not overlook or shortchange his dominance on the court. Russell was 21-0 in winner-take-all games. He never lost a Game 7, a closing Game 5, an NCAA Tournament Game, or a game in the Olympics.

He redefined his position, elevating defense to par with offense. He was surrounded by Hall of Famers who became Hall of Fames in large part because they played alongside Russell.

And to those who mock the NBA of yore, one cannot blame Russell for the era in which he played.

He beat all comers. That’s all you can ask.

Russell’s better-late-than-never bronze statue was unveiled outside City Hall in 2013. And the success of the 2023-24 Celtics, and Jeannine Russell’s emergence in the public space, has helped re-introduce Bill Russell to another generation of fans.

Russell’s legacy returns to TD Garden rafters Tuesday night when Banner 18 goes up before Boston’s season-opener against the Knicks.

The legacy also endures in Jaylen Brown, according to Jeannine Russell. It is Brown, Jeannine Russell says, who currently exemplifies her husband more than anyone else in Celtics Green, or elsewhere in the NBA.

And now that Brown has won a championship, he joins Russell in the NBA’s most elite group – champions.

“Can the Celtics repeat?” looms over this season in the same way  “Unfinish Business” haunted Boston 2 years ago. Or “Different Here” marked the time until the final buzzer against Dallas.

“Of course they will repeat. Not even a question,” Jeannine Russell said.

The Celtics open the 2024-25 season as +310 favorites to ice Banner 19 at DraftKings.

While Jeannine Russell has undoubtedly found joy in the success of the Celtics, she endured another loss this summer.

Princess Leia was a 19-year-old beagle unconditionally loved by both Bill and Jeannine Russell. She crossed the Rainbow Bridge on July 21. Sadly, not all bridges bring joy. But they always connect.

“I like to think that she and Bill are together and have each other. He’s got one and I’ve got one,” she said.

Bill Speros (@RealOBF and @BillSperos on X) can be reached at bsperos1@gmail.com.

People walk across the North Washington Street Bridge Sunday. The span is being renamed in honor of Celtics great Bill Russell on Monday. (Libby O’Neill/Boston Herald)