After the recent Bill Russell’s passThe NBA has announced that they will be removing Russell’s number 6 shirt during the tournament, confirming the decision in a Press Release on Thursday. National Basketball Players Association launched same message on its own website.
Players who currently wear the number 6 shirt, including the Lakers superstar LeBron Jameswill be able to continue wearing it, but the number will not be reissued by any team to any player in the future, according to the announcement.
“Bill Russell’s unparalleled success on the court and civil rights activism deserves to be honored in a unique and historic way,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “His #6 permanent retirement from every NBA team ensures that Bill’s transcendent career will always be recognized.”
“This is an important honor dedicated to one of the greatest champions to ever play this game,” announced NBPA chief executive Tamika Tremaglio. “Bill’s actions on and off the pitch throughout his life helped shape generations of better players and for that we are forever grateful. We are proud to continue to celebrate his life and legacy with the tournament. “
Russell, who wore the number 6 jersey for his entire NBA career from 1956-69, won a record 11 league championships in just 13 seasons. In addition to his unprecedented success in the courts, Russell was at the forefront of them all, advocating for civil rights, equality and inclusion. He became the first black head coach in the NBA and in major U.S. sports when he was elected Celtics player-coach in 1966.
According to the NBA, the league will honor Russell further by requiring all players to wear a commemorative patch on their jerseys for the 2022-23 season, with each NBA field displaying a clover-shaped emblem. with the number 6 on the sideline near the top scorer’s table.
In addition to James, 24 other NBA players wear the number 6 shirt between 2021-22, each Basketball reference. Many of those players are out of contract, but the Bulls . defenders Alex CarusoPiston impeller Hamidou Diallo and the big man of the Wizards Kristaps Porzingis are among those who still wear the number and will be allowed to continue to do so.
