NBA To Retire Russell’s No. 6 Leaguewide, Joining Jackie (MLB), Gretzky (NHL)

By Barry Janoff

Photo: Hall of FameAugust 11, 2022: The NBA and National Basketball Players Assn. said today they will “honor the life and legacy of 11-time NBA champion and civil rights pioneer" Bill Russell by permanently retiring his uniform No. 6 throughout the league.

Russell, a two-time member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, will be the first player to have his number retired across the NBA.

Russell passed away on July 31 at the age of 88.

MLB retired Jackie Robinson’s No. 42 in 1997.

In 1999, the NHL retired Wayne Gretzky’s No. 99 after he retired from play.

Russell was the last Boston Celtics’ player to wear No. 6.

“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 via the league.

“Permanently retiring his No. 6 across every NBA team ensures that Bill’s transcendent career will always be recognized.”

In addition to retiring his number, the NBA will pay tribute to Russell with other activation throughout the 2022-23 season.

All NBA players will wear a commemorative patch on the right shoulder of their jersey.

Every NBA court will display a Celtic's clover-shaped logo with the No. 6 on the sideline near the scorer’s table.

The Celtics, for whom Russell played his entire career and also as the first Black head coach in league history, will have a "separate and unique recognition for him on their uniforms," to be unveiled prior to the season.

Although Russell’s jersey number — which he wore for his entire 13-season career from 1956-69 — will not be issued again by any NBA team to any player, players who currently wear No. 6 will be grandfathered.

That includes LeBron James.

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

“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 was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 1975 and as a coach in 2021.

In 2009, the MVP trophy of the NBA Finals was named in his honor.

He was named to the NBA’s 25th Anniversary Team in 1971, the 35th Anniversary Team in 1980, was named as one of the NBA’s 50 greatest players in league history in 1996 and then to the 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.

Off the court, he used his national presence as a way to bring attention to social injustice, including working with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and others who put a spotlight on racial discrimination.

In 2011, President Barack Obama awarded Russell the Medal of Freedom, alongside Congressman John Lewis, a leader in the civil rights movement.

Bill Russell: NBA Icon, Civil Rights Activist, Powerful Example

Back to Home Page