(Reuters) – The number 6 worn by Celtics legend and civil rights contributor Bill Russell, who died at the end of July, will be discontinued by the NBA on Thursday. For the first time, it was announced that it would be a permanent retirement common to all teams.
Russell played 13 years for the Celtics in the 1950s and 1960s. He has an impressive record of 11 championships and 12 All-Star selections. He was also the first black man to coach an NBA and was a leading figure in American sports for civil rights and social justice.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement: “Bill Russell’s unparalleled on-court success and civil rights pioneering deserves recognition in a unique and historic way.” did.
