The NBA Has Made The No Brainer Decision To Retire Bill Russell's #6 Across The League

Bettmann. Getty Images.

Well this is spectacular news. Really it's the biggest no brainer in the history of no brainers. This is an idea that was floated around pretty much immediately once we learned of Russell's passing. He's more than an icon, he's a God. Not just on the floor but off the floor. If there is one player that deserves to have their number retired throughout the league, it's Bill Russell. I'm glad that the league and the Player's Association seem to agree. You don't see the league go to these lengths for any former legend, and that's why Bill Russell is different. He's someone who I'm pretty sure every single person on the planet agrees should get this treatment. While he's obviously already retired at the Garden

Boston Globe. Getty Images.
Boston Globe. Getty Images.

it's cool that he'll be honored in every arena in the league. I would imagine they'll be something more permanent in these buildings as well moving forward which would also be cool. I bet if you asked Russell about this he would hate it, but it truly feels like the perfect way to pay tribute to such a monumental person.

I will say though, if you currently wear #6, you should change your number. I don't care if you're LeBron or anyone else that's grandfathered in. I know there's some sort of NBA rule where you have to submit number changes a year in advance or some bullshit, but you can figure that shit out. If the idea is to make #6 retired forever to honor Russell, then that should be every last player that wears #6. So you have to pick a new number, grow up. This is Bill Russell we're talking about here. I don't care what number you choose, but it's not going to be #6.

I don't know about anyone else, but these last few days any time I see any sort of Bill Russell content on my timeline it's been an instant watch/read

I cannot think of a player/person more deserving to have his number permanently retired. RIPIP to the absolute GOAT.