The Golden State Warriors will raise the late Bill Russel’s No. 6 in the rafters of the Chase Center Saturday night ahead of a much-anticipated Finals rematch against the Boston Celtics. Russell, who passed away this summer at the age of 88, spent much of his childhood in Oakland, CA, and two-time NCAA Champion at the University of San Francisco.
“His number is being retired around the NBA, but the significance here is that Bill was from Oakland, played high school ball there, and played at USF. He made such an impact on the Bay Area that it feels more special here than it would in any other city, other than Boston.” the Warriors said in a statement.
Russel’s daughter Karen Kenyatta Russell will address the crowd before the game.
— Dr. Justin Quinn (@justinquinnn) December 9, 2022
So will current Warriors COO Rick Welts, a friend of Russell’s for almost five decades, and former Warrior Tom Meschery.
Golden State head coach of the Warriors Steve Kerr has spoken at length about his admiration for Russell. “We’re very proud of the legacy that Bill Russell left here in the Bay and across the NBA,” Kerr said.
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— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) December 10, 2022
Russell’s No. 6 was universally retired across the NBA following his death. Several teams, including the Celtics, have honored or will honor Russell in other ways throughout the season as well.
The Warriors and Celtics are facing off for the first time since Golden State defeated Boston during the 2022 NBA Finals. Once the pregame ceremony is complete, expect a fiercely competitive tilt.
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— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) December 10, 2022
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