The NBA will retire the No. 6 in honor of Bill Russell

The league announced the decision on which number will be honored by the player with the most rings in history.

On July 31, he died at the age of 88. bill russell. the world of sports in USAand especially basketball, paid tribute to every corner of the country player with the most rings in NBA history, 11. Now the league has made the decision to honor him for life.

“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 uniform number, 6, across the league,” posted from the NBA on social media.

In an extensive statement, the NBA confirmed that this is the first uniform to be withdrawn for the entire league. “Bill Russell’s unprecedented success on the court and pioneering civil rights activism deserve to be honored in a unique and historic way,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “Permanently retiring his No. 6 on every NBA team ensures that Bill’s invaluable career will always be recognized.”

“This is a very important honor reserved for one of the greatest champions to ever play,” said the 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 in the league.”

The initiative was promoted by magic johnson through their social networks. Although the boston celtics his uniform hangs at the top of TD Garden the decision will transcend each team’s colors. Despite his complete identification with the color green, played 13 seasons and won 11 with the CelticsIt’s just that it’s not unusual to see Russell in his team’s jersey. enemiesThe LakersIn honor of Kobe Bryant.

bill russell

“In addition to retiring Russell’s number, the NBA will honor the Boston Celtics legend throughout the 2022-23 season. All NBA players will wear a commemorative patch on the right shoulder of their jerseys, and each NBA court will display a number 6 shamrock logo on the sideline near the scorer’s table The Celtics, where Russell played and coached his entire career, will have a unique, stand-alone recognition for him on their uniforms, to be announced as soon as possible.

Russell’s jersey number, which he wore for his entire 13-season career between 1956 and 1969, will never be reissued by any NBA team to any player. Players currently wearing the No. 6 will be protected,” added the NBA’s official statement.

bill russell

Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

Celtics #6 was named head coach and became the first African-American to become an NBA head coach. The league closed the statement with special mention of what the iconic figure of Bill Russell meant to the fight for equality: “During and after his extraordinary basketball career, Russell passionately promoted values ​​of equality, respect and inclusion. civil rights with Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and stood by his belief that all people should be treated with dignity Russell received the 2010 Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest that nation’s civilian honor, for his athletic exploits and his lifelong commitment to social justice.”

Source: Tycsports

Related articles

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Share article

Latest articles

Newsletter

Subscribe to stay updated.