After the death of NBA legend Bill Russell, the jersey number 6 is no longer assigned in the North American professional basketball league. The league announced this on Thursday.
Russell, who had won eleven championships with the Boston Celtics with the 6 on his chest and is still the most successful player in history, died on July 31 at the age of 88. Russell is the first player in the NBA to receive this honor.
“Bill Russell’s unparalleled accomplishments on court and his pioneering commitment to civil rights deserve a unique and historic tribute,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. There will also be commemorative Russell badges on jerseys and courts across the league next season.
Players like superstar LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers), who currently wear the 6, do not have to give their number. However, there will be no further awards in the future.
Most teams have been doing this for a long time. For example, the Dallas Mavericks will no longer wear a 41 worn by German superstar Dirk Nowitzki. With the Chicago Bulls, Michael Jordan’s 23 is no longer awarded.
Only the Los Angeles Clippers and the Toronto Raptors have all numbers available so far.