in tribute to Bill Russell, the NBA withdraws number 6 from circulation, a great first
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No player will wear number 6 in the North American basketball league, in tribute to the late Bill Russell, who died recently at 88 years old.
A final tribute for Bill Russell. And not least. The NBA announces this Thursday, in a statement common with the players’ association (NBPA), as number 6, the one worn throughout his career by the former Boston pivot, died July 31 at age 88, is withdrawn from circulation. Clearly, no one will wear this number in the future on the floors of the Association. A first. A commemorative patch sewn on uniforms and a logo on the pitches will also be used for the 2022-23 season.
Bill’s actions on and off the pitch throughout his life have helped shape generations of players for the better, and for that we are eternally grateful.
Tamika Tremaglio, NBPA Executive Director
“Bill Russell’s unprecedented success on the field and his pioneering civil rights activism deserve to be honored in a unique and historic way.said the big boss of the NBA, Adam Silver. Permanently retiring his number 6 on all NBA teams ensures that Bill’s transcendent career will always be recognized.” NBPA Executive Director Tamika Tremaglio notes that it is “of a momentous honor reserved for one of the greatest champions in the history of the game. Bill’s actions on and off the court throughout his life have helped shape generations of players for the better, and for that we are eternally grateful. We are proud to continue to celebrate his life and legacy alongside the league.”
Players who currently wear number 6, including Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James and Washington Wizards Kristaps Porzingis, will be able to continue using number 6 if they choose. But this will be prohibited in the future.
11 titles in 13 seasons
Crowned NBA champion 11 times in his 13-year career, including eight consecutive titles from 1959 to 1966, Russell is the most successful player in the history of the North American Basketball League. The trophy rewarding the MVP of the Finals bears his name. Five times MVP (most regular season player), 12 times All Star and second best rebounder in history (21,620), he is also known for being the first African-American coach in the NBA and for his work in favor of civil rights, the person concerned having notably received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the country, from the hands of Barack Obama in 2011.
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