The NBA announced that it will pay one of the most special tributes that can be dedicated to a player: it will permanently retire the number 6 of all its teams, in honor of Bill Russell, who died on July 31 at the age of 88, a historic figure of the Boston Celtics.
Russell’s No. 6 jersey retired across NBA, a first for the league
The NBA’s emotional statement
“Bill Russell’s unparalleled success on the court and his civil rights activism deserve to be honored in a unique and historic way,” said league commissioner Adam Silver. “Permanently retiring the franchise’s No. 6 ensures that Bill’s career is forever recognized.”
“The NBA and NBPA announced today that they will honor the life and legacy of 11-time NBA champion and civil rights pioneer Bill Russell by permanently retiring his number, 6, around the league,” the league said in a statement.
Bill Russell, the NBA’s Jackie Robinson?
The move will apply beginning with the 2022-23 season and will be the league’s first fully retired number, just as happened in Major League Baseball with Jackie Robinson‘s legendary 42.
“This is a momentous honor reserved for one of the greatest champions who ever lived,” said NBPA executive director Tamika Tremaglio.
“Bill’s actions on and off the court throughout his life helped improve generations of players and for that, we will be forever grateful. We are proud to continue to celebrate his life and legacy alongside the league,” Silver said. “Bill Russell’s unprecedented success on the court and his pioneering civil rights activism deserve to be honored in a unique and historic way. Permanently retiring his No. 6 from every team in the league ensures that Bill’s transcendent career will always be recognized.”
Bill Russell’s death rocked world sports
Following Bill Russell’s death, sports personalities mourned his passing as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
In addition to the retirement of his number 6, the NBA will also pay tribute to him throughout the upcoming NBA season, among them, all players will wear a commemorative patch on the right shoulder of their jerseys and a shamrock logo with the number 6 on the sideline will be displayed on every court.
While the Boston Celtics, the team where Russell played his entire career and also served as a coach, will also host a separate recognition for him. With the franchise, Russell won 11 titles in 13 seasons.
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