Article Author:
Reuters
The NBA is retiring the number 6 jersey across the league to honor the life and legacy of the late Bill Russell.
The Hall of Fame Center and social justice activist died on July 31 at the age of 88.
Russell is the first player in the entire league to retire his jersey number. Major League Baseball pioneer Jackie Robinson's jersey number 42 he retired in 1997.
"Bill Russell's unmatched success on the court and pioneering civil rights movement deserves to be honored in a unique and historic way," said his NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. "Bill's extraordinary career will always be recognized by permanently retiring the number 6 on every NBA team.
Currently Wearing No. 6 Players who wear it will have their grandfather's number applied, and some players who currently wear it include LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers and Kristaps Porzingis of the Washington Wizards.
League and The Players Association announced Thursday that players will wear a commemorative patch on the right shoulder of their jerseys during the 2022-23 season and will display a clover-shaped logo on all NBA courts, number 6 on the sideline.
29} "This is a significant honor for one of the greatest champions to ever play the game," said NBPA Executive Director Tamika Torremaglio. “Bill’s actions on and off the court in his life have helped shape generations of players for the better, and for that we are eternally grateful. We are proud to continue celebrating that legacy.”A five-time NBA MVP and 12-time All-Star, Russell is an 11-time NBA player with the Boston Celtics. won the title. He was also the first black head coach in the history of North American professional sports and helped the club win two more of his titles.
A member of the NBA's 25th, 50th and 75th anniversary teams, Russell was also well known for his commitment to social justice. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010.
Russell averaged 15.1 points and he tallied 22.5 rebounds in his 13 seasons (1956-69) with the Celtics. He was first inducted into the Hall of Fame in his 1975 as a player and again in 2021 as a coach. Boston retired his number 6 jersey in 1972.
– Field Level Media
