The NBA League and the NBA Players Association announced that none of the active players will be allowed to wear the number 6 on their jerseys. They decided to retire that number in honor of the recently deceased Bill Russell, former Boston Celtics player and winner of 11 championships. This is the first time in the history of the NBA that a number is being retired and that this applies to the entire league. So far, only clubs have regularly retired the jerseys of their best players in history.

"Bill Russell achieved unparalleled success on and off the court. He was an activist for human rights and deserves to be honored in a special way. The permanent retirement of the number 6 ensures that his career will always be especially valued," said the head of the NBA Adam Silver.

As his number will be retired, NBA players will wear a black flor on the right shoulder for the entire next season, while the Boston Celtics, where Russell spent his entire career, will present special jerseys that will be worn in his honor.

In addition to 11 championships, Bill Russell was selected to the All-Star team 12 times and won six MVP awards. His influence is greater than basketball. He was the first dark-skinned head coach of the Boston Celtics. He also participated in the protests for equality led by Martin Luther King.