Why do NBA jerseys have 6s on them?

BASKETBALL fans have noticed that a specific number has appeared on jerseys across the league.

Here’s everything you need to know about why NBA jerseys feature the number 6.

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Why do NBA jerseys have the number 6 on them?

The #6 patch, appearing on NBA jerseys this new season, is a nod to Bill Russell’s legacy on the court.

After NBA legend Russell passed away earlier this year, the league announced several ways to honor the basketball icon.

One of those decisions meant that a commemorative #6 badge would be placed on the right shoulder of all jerseys in the 2022-23 season.

Each individual team’s number is also displayed above the NBA mid-court logo in a black, white, and gold colorway.

When did Bill Russell die?

NBA legend Bill Russell died on July 31 at the age of 88.

The Boston Celtics legend racked up 11 NBA titles, five MVPs and 12 All-Star appearances during a star-studded career.

He also racked up countless other awards while rocking the legendary 6 on his back from 1956-1969.

When the legendary number “6” passed away this summer, his death was met with a burst of emotion and affection for the Hall of Famer.

Off the court, he was a civil rights icon who fought for racial justice during and after his playing career.

Has the number 6 been retired for NBA jerseys?

After Russell’s death, the NBA declared that it would no longer issue a new No. 6 jersey to any player league-wide.

This marks the first time in league history that a number has been eliminated from all organizations.

For existing players like LeBron James who already wore the number 6, the NBA has “inhabited” their jerseys.

That means they can keep wearing them until they stop, or switch to a new number – but no new players in the league can choose the number 6.

Russell’s legendary No. 6 has long been retired by the Celtics.