The NBA have retired the number six jersey across the league in honour of Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell, who passed away last month at the age of 88.
Across his 13-year playing career, Russell won 11 NBA titles with two of them coming as a player-coach. In a bid to honour his legacy, his jersey number has been permanently retired across the NBA for the first time in the league's history.
Players who currently wear the number like LA Lakers star LeBron James will be allowed to continue, but the number will neve be issued again. In a statement, NBA commissioner Adam Silver paid tribute to Russell.
"Bill Russell's unparalleled success on the court and pioneering civil rights activism deserve to be honoured in a unique and historic way," Silver said.
"Permanently retiring his number six across every NBA team ensures that Bill's transcendent career will always be recognised."
Tamika Tremaglio, the executive director of the National Basketball Players Association added: "This is a momentous honour reserved for one of the greatest champions to ever play the game.
"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."
The NBA also revealed that all players will wear a commemorative patch on their jerseys in honour of Simmons, while each court will display a clover-shaped logo which includes the number six.
The Celtics have also planned a "separate and unique recognition for him on their uniforms, to be announced soon". Russell was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975 as a player and then in 2021 as a coach.
