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The NBA has decided to retire all number 6 jerseys for Russell: what does that mean?

Magic Johnson had proposed it based on baseball with Jackie Robinson: only those who have already worn it can wear the number of the Celtics legend, and there will also be a logo in his honor. Silver: “This is how his career will be forever recognized”

The NBA is permanently retiring the number 6 jersey in honor of Bill Russell. Period decision that will apply to each of the 30 teams in the league. An absolute first that comes just days after the death of the Boston Celtics legend, the 11-time NBA champion, on July 31 at the age of 88. Those who already wore the number 6, like LeBron James, will be able to continue wearing it, 25 players wore the number last season. However, no new jerseys with the number 6 will be issued from now on.

EMBLEM ON SHIRTS

A commemorative reference to Russell will also appear on the right shoulder of every NBA jersey during the 2022-23 season. A logo with the cloverleaf and the number 6 can then be seen on every pitch in the league. Special memory and dedication, targeted for the Boston Celtics instead. Let’s talk about the only NBA team in Russell’s career: they will have a special, yet to be unveiled, mark on their uniforms.

MONEY WORDS

The NBA commissioner said Russell’s success on the court and as a civil rights pioneer deserves to be recognized in a unique and historic way. The permanent retirement of No. 6 in the league ensures Bill’s career will be forever recognized.

MAGIC PROPOSAL

It was another former NBA legend, Magic Johnson, icon of the Los Angeles Lakers’ “enemies” who proposed this initiative in recent days, which had essentially divided American public opinion on social networks. The NBA did not hesitate and decided to “marry” him.

THE PREVIOUS

Major League Baseball permanently retired Jackie Robinson’s number 42 in 1997, allowing athletes who wore his number to retire without having to change it in the meantime. The NBA was obviously inspired by baseball. Robinson was also honored for breaking racial barriers in his sports league. Like him, Russell is known not only for his heroics on the court, an overseas basketball legend, but also for his commitment to civil rights. He marched with Martin Luther King back then, was close to Muhammad Ali, the phenomenal boxer, and most recently received the Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama.

MYTH IN GREEN

No one since the 1968–69 season, Russell’s last in a Celtics jersey, has ever worn his number again for the Boston Green franchise, which retired that number in 1972. Russell played 13 seasons in the NBA, from 1956 to 1969 he was a 5-time league MVP and 12-time All Star. Prior to his legendary pro career, he had twice won the NCAA collegiate-level title with the University of San Francisco jersey. Depending on the era, these are the rebounds: even 21.

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