The Boston Celtics have announced the team has adopted a special tribute to the late Bill Russell in the form of twin No. 6 icons painted right on the lane on either end of the court. Russell died earlier this summer at the age of 88.
The decision to paint the No. 6 right in the paint came as a way to underscore Russell’s tremendous dominance near the rim, the team announced in a press release. That makes this display the first of its kind in NBA history. The club had previously announced a few means of honoring Russell for the coming season. This includes special tribute games as well as a new jersey that had been in the works as a collaboration with Russell prior to his passing.
All teams in the NBA will display a small No. 6 decal on the sideline next to the scorer’s table. Likewise, teams will be wearing a jersey patch, and Russell’s No. 6 will be universally retired across the Association. Understandably, Boston is going further with celebrations and honorifics.
Be on the lookout for a special tribute to Bill Russell on the parquet this season ☘️ pic.twitter.com/Pt6IoZbekx
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) September 19, 2022
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