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The late Bill Russell is getting the ultimate tribute — the NBA just announced the Celtics legend’s No. 6 will be retired throughout the league … making him the first player to receive such an honor.
The Association just announced the move minutes ago … with commish Adam Silver explaining the decision.
“Bill Russell’s unparalleled success on the court and pioneering civil rights activism deserve to be honored in a unique and historic way,” Silver said. “Permanently retiring his No. 6 across every NBA team ensures that Bill’s transcendent career will always be recognized.”
Current players who don the number — most notably Lakers superstar LeBron James — will not have to make a change … as the league says those who currently wear No. 6 will be grandfathered.
On top of the number retirement, the league says each player will wear a jersey patch honoring the 11-time champion … and each court will display a tribute logo next to the scorer’s table.
The honor is exactly what names like Magic Johnson and Mike Woodson were hoping for — both former players called for the league to raise No. 6 in the rafters at every NBA arena.
Russell passed away last month. He was 88 years old.