NBA to retire Celtics legend Bill Russell’s jersey No. 6 leaguewide
The NBA has announced that, for the first time in league history, one player will have his number retired leaguewide.
Bill Russell, regarded as the league’s greatest winner and the namesake of its Finals MVP award, will be honored by the NBA with his No. 6 uniform no longer available to players entering the league.
Current players who already wear No. 6, like the Lakers’ LeBron James, can continue to wear the uniform number.
The NBA announced the decision on Thursday.
“Bill Russell’s unparalleled success on the court and pioneering civil rights activism deserve to be honored in a unique and historic way,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “Permanently retiring his No. 6 across every NBA team ensures that Bill’s transcendent career will always be recognized.”
Russell died on July 31. He was 88.
Teams will also honor Russell with a commemorative jersey patch and with an on-court logo.
“This is a momentous honor reserved for one of the greatest champions to ever play the game,” NBPA Executive Director Tamika Tremaglio said in a statement. “Bill’s actions on and off the court throughout the course of his life helped to shape generations of players for the better and for that, we are forever grateful. We are proud to continue the celebration of his life and legacy alongside the league.”
Russell won 11 NBA championships in 13 seasons, winning five regular-season most valuable player awards. He became the first Black coach in the NBA and won two more titles. Russell was also a noted civic activist, fighting against racial injustice while an active player and following his retirement.
In 2010, Russell earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
Played 29 games as a freshman reserve at UNC before starting 34 for the Tigers. Has a well-rounded offensive game and can defend. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Minnesota.)
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersAlan Youngblood
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJohn Minchillo
The Bruins reserve wing only averaged 12.9 minutes but has big upside with his athleticism, explosive first step and leaping ability.
Second Round:
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Second Round:
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersJay LaPrete
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersMarcio Jose Sanchez
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersSean Meagher
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersTrent Sprague
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersTony Gutierrez
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Sources: Wall to be bought out, intends to join ClippersBrynn Anderson
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NBA to retire Celtics legend Bill Russell’s jersey No. 6 leaguewideMike Lawrie/Getty Images North America/TNS
Member of the Boston Celtics' 1966 Championship team Bill Russell is honored at halftime of a game between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat at TD Garden on April 13, 2016, in Boston. (Mike Lawrie/Getty Images/TNS)
Mike Lawrie/Getty Images North America/TNSMember of the Boston Celtics' 1966 Championship team Bill Russell is honored at halftime of a game between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat at TD Garden on April 13, 2016, in Boston. (Mike Lawrie/Getty Images/TNS)