Democracy Dies in Darkness
NBA permanently retires Bill Russell’s No. 6
Hailed by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver as “Basketball’s Babe Ruth,” Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell now shares a timeless honor with Jackie Robinson.
The NBA announced Thursday that it will permanently retire Russell’s No. 6 across the league in recognition ofhis Hall of Fame career and pioneering social justice activism. Russell, an 11-time championwho died last month at 88, becomes the first NBA player to receive this honor, a move endorsed by Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnsonearlier this month.
