NBA Announces it Will Retire Hall of Famer Bill Russell’s No. 6 League Wide

After the passing of Bill Russell last month there was a large push by fans, players, and former players alike to retire Russell’s number 6 from every NBA team a la Jackie Robinson. There was support and opposition to the suggestion of this move, but today the NBA has made its final decision.

Per a press release from the NBA Office the NBA announced 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, throughout the league. This is an unprecedented move in league history, though if anyone was deserving of the honor it is definitely the late Bill Russell.

Commissioner Adam Silver went on to say, “Bill Russell’s unparalleled success on the court and pioneering civil rights activism deserve to be honored in a unique and historic way. Permanently retiring his No. 6 across every NBA team ensures that Bill’s transcendent career will always be recognized.”

“This is a momentous honor reserved for one of the greatest champions to ever play the game,” said NBPA Executive Director Tamika Tremaglio.  “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.”

Alongside retiring the number 6 league wide, the NBA also announced that all NBA Players will pay tribute to Russell through the 2022-2023 season by wearing a commemorative patch on the right shoulder of their jerseys, and every NBA court will display a clover-shaped logo with the No. 6 on the sideline near the scorer’s table.

Additionally the Celtics, whom Russell played his entire career and coached for, will have a unique recognition for Russell on their uniforms. Any player who is currently wearing the number 6 on a team will be grandfathered in to this number retirement.