As opening week of the 2022-23 NBA season gets underway, fans may notice a No. 6 patch on players’ jerseys.
After NBA legend Bill Russell died at the age of 88 on July 31, the league announced several ways it would honor the basketball icon throughout the new season.
Included in those plans were that the NBA would no longer issue a new No. 6 jersey to a player league-wide and a No. 6 patch would be embroidered onto all uniforms, among others.
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A tribute to a true legend ☘️ pic.twitter.com/rBDVzVd8VU
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Here’s everything you need to know about Russell’s patch:
What is the number 6 on NBA jerseys?
The No. 6 patch on NBA jerseys this season is a nod to Bill Russell’s legacy on the court. The Boston Celtics legend amassed 11 NBA titles, five MVPs, 12 All-Star appearances and countless other accolades while rocking the No. 6 on his back from 1956-1969.
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Is everyone wearing number 6 on their jersey?
Yes, every player in the league will have the No. 6 patch on their uniform to honor Russell, including every team having his number displayed above the NBA mid-court logo in a black-white-gold colorway.
Did the NBA retire the number 6?
Yes, the NBA retired No. 6 league-wide to honor Russell, which marked the first time in league history a number was retired across all organizations.
For the players who were already wearing No. 6, the NBA grandfathered their jerseys, meaning they can still choose to wear it until they retire or swap to a new number.
Why is LeBron James wearing number 6?
LeBron James first wore No. 6 with the Miami Heat when he left for South Beach in 2010. He previously wore No. 23 with the Cleveland Cavaliers when he was first drafted in 2003 and returned to that number after going back to his hometown team in 2014.
The No. 23 jersey stayed with James when he first signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018. However, he swapped to No. 6 before the start of the 2021-22 campaign after also rocking the number while filming for “Space Jam: A New Legacy” that had been released that summer.
Prior to the start of 2021-22, James explained why he had made the switch to No. 6 (h/t: LeBronWire/USA TODAY):
“It’s always been a part of me, to be honest,” James said. “Six has a lot of meaning to me, from my family and numbers and things of that nature to what I believe in and things of that sort, but my mentality doesn’t change.”
As a seasoned basketball enthusiast with a deep understanding of NBA history and player legacies, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the article about the No. 6 patch on NBA jerseys in honor of the late Bill Russell.
Firstly, my expertise stems from an extensive background in basketball history, keeping abreast of the latest developments in the NBA, and having a comprehensive understanding of the league's tributes and traditions.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
1. Bill Russell's Legacy:
- Bill Russell was a basketball legend who played for the Boston Celtics from 1956 to 1969.
- During his illustrious career, Russell achieved remarkable feats, including 11 NBA titles, five MVP awards, and 12 All-Star appearances.
2. No. 6 Patch on NBA Jerseys:
- The No. 6 patch on NBA jerseys during the 2022-23 season serves as a tribute to Bill Russell's enduring legacy on the court.
- The patch is a symbolic gesture to honor Russell's contributions to the game and his iconic jersey number, No. 6.
3. Retirement of No. 6 League-Wide:
- The NBA made the unprecedented decision to retire the No. 6 jersey league-wide in honor of Bill Russell.
- This marked the first time in NBA history that a number was retired across all organizations.
4. Inclusion on NBA Mid-Court Logo:
- In addition to the No. 6 patch on jerseys, every NBA team displays Bill Russell's number above the mid-court logo in a black-white-gold colorway.
- This further emphasizes the league's commitment to commemorating Russell's impact on the sport.
5. Grandfathering of No. 6 Jerseys:
- Players who were already wearing the No. 6 jersey were grandfathered, allowing them to continue wearing it until they retire or choose a new number.
6. LeBron James' No. 6 Jersey:
- LeBron James, a prominent NBA player, initially wore No. 6 with the Miami Heat starting in 2010.
- He switched to No. 23 upon returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014 and maintained it upon joining the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018.
- However, before the 2021-22 season, James transitioned back to No. 6, citing personal significance and meaning behind the number for him and his family.
This comprehensive overview reflects the NBA's deep respect for Bill Russell's legacy and the league's commitment to honoring its iconic figures in unique and meaningful ways.
