Pull the number 6, no one will ever wear it

National Basketball Association (NBAThe National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) announced that they will pay tribute to the life and legacy of the 11-time NBA champion and civil rights pioneer. Bill Russell, Withdrawing his unified number (6) permanently from all over the league. The iconic member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame will be the first player to retire in the entire NBA.

“Bill Russell’s unparalleled success on the field and his pioneering civil rights activism deserve to be recognized in a unique and specific way,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “With his permanent retirement number 6 on all NBA teams, Bale’s incredible career will always be recognized.”

“This is an honor dedicated to one of the greatest heroes who ever played.” Tamika said TrimaglioExecutive Director of the NBPA. “Bel’s actions on and off the field have, throughout his life, trained new generations of players for the better, and we will always be grateful to him for that. We are proud to continue to celebrate his life and legacy with Lega.”

In addition to earning a Russell number, the National Basketball Association 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 jersey and every NBA stadium will display a three-lobed crest with the number 6 on the side line near the scorer’s table. The Celtics, which Russell played throughout his career and coached, will receive a special award for them on their uniform, to be announced soon.

Russell’s jersey number, which he wore throughout his thirteen seasons from 1956 to 1969, will not be assigned to players by any NBA team. Those who currently wear the number 6 will be able to keep it that way.

Regarded as the perfect winner and teammate, Russell changed the game with his dominant defense and elegant athletic performance in the middle. He held a record 11 NBA championships in 13 seasons, having twice won the National Championship at the University of San Francisco (1955 and 1956) and a gold medal with the US men’s Olympic basketball team (1956). Russell, who drove the car Boston In eight consecutive NBA championships from 1959 to 1966, he was so synonymous with success that in 2009 the NBA Finals Player of the Year award was named after him.

His countless accomplishments include five NBA Most Valuable Player Awards, 12 NBA All-Star selections, and 11 All-NBA Team Awards. Russell was selected to all four NBA Anniversary teams (25, 35, 50, 75) and inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975. A four-time rebound basketball champion, he ranks second in league history for total bounces (21,620). ) and rebounds per game (22.5) in the regular season. The Celtics retired their number 6 jersey in 1972.

Russell’s influence on the NBA extends far beyond his playing achievements. In 1966, he was appointed by the Celtics as the first black coach in the history of the NBA and major professional sports in the United States. As a head player and coach, he led Boston to two NBA championships in 1968 and 1969.

During and after his extraordinary basketball career, Russell passionately upheld the values ​​of equality, respect, and inclusion. He marched for civil rights with activist Martin Luther King, Jr. and was adamant that all people should be treated with dignity. In 2010, Russell was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, for his sporting achievements and lifelong commitment to social justice.