The announcement made by the league on Monday states that every NBA uniform will feature a No. 6 patch to pay homage to the late former Celtic great Bill Russell, who passed away in July.
It has been highlighted that current players, including LeBron James and Alex Caruso, who wear the No. 6 jersey are permitted to continue sporting the number, but it will not be given to any new players.
Bill Russell, a distinguished member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, spent his entire 13-season career in Boston where he secured 11 championships, participated in 12 All-Star Games, and earned five MVP awards.
As part of a season-long tribute planned to honor the Hall of Famer, Boston has incorporated Russell’s No. 6 into the free throw lanes on the parquet floor.
In a statement on Monday, the Celtics shared, “The team has included the number 6 in both lanes to commemorate Bill Russell’s dominating presence in the paint.”
Stay tuned for a special tribute to Bill Russell on the parquet this season ☘️ pic.twitter.com/Pt6IoZbekx
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) September 19, 2022
On all NBA courts, a number 6 decal will be visible on the sideline near the scorer’s table.
Current Celtic player Marcus Smart expressed, “Terms like ‘pioneer’, ‘trailblazer’ have been used. Mentioning Bill Russell and the impact he had on this sport is indisputable.”
Another Celtics forward, Grant Williams, reflected on Russell’s legacy by noting, “His influence, not just on the court but in the community, will endure forever, solidifying his everlasting legacy.”
Steph Curry, speaking at a press conference while donning the new patch jersey, shared, “Acknowledging what Bill Russell symbolizes for the league is significant… It is a meaningful representation of our progress and a way to honor his enduring influence.”
The decision to honor Russell comes after recent controversies for Boston, notably the suspension of head coach Ime Udoka for involvement in an inappropriate relationship with a member of the Celtics’ staff.
Image Source: San Francisco Chronicle
