Like the MLB did with Jackie Robinson, the NBA will tribute Bill Russell with the greatest honor: They’re retiring his number league-wide.
Russell’s death was met with tributes from fans and players around the NBA. His massive impact on basketball, including on the life of Kobe Bryant, was immeasurable. There is a reason why many, like my colleague Mike Sykes, believe the league should honor the legend with an official Bill Russell Day.
With everything he accomplished both on and off the court, retiring Russell’s number is well-earned. Among the many players who currently wear No. 6 in the NBA, however, is LeBron James.
LeBron and all others who wear No. 6 are still allowed to keep their number.
Although all NBA teams will be retiring Bill Russell’s No. 6 in his memory, LeBron James will be able to continue to wear No. 6. https://t.co/vveZSWcbAi
— LeBron Wire (@LeBron_Wire) August 12, 2022
But what is interesting about that is that it forces the Miami Heat to make a unique decision about LeBron, who led the team to win two championships alongside teammates Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade.
The organization has already honored Bosh and Wade with jersey retirement ceremonies, but it may be complicated to do the same for LeBron, writes Ira Winderman (via Sun Sentinel):
“The Miami Heat are about to find themselves in the unique position of retiring No. 6 and then, eventually, re-retiring that jersey.
With the NBA on Thursday announcing the league-wide retirement of No. 6 in honor of the recent passing of legendary Boston Celtics championship center Bill Russell, the Heat eventually will have dual No. 6 jerseys hanging from the rafters of FTX Arena.
Having already retired the No. 3 of Dwyane Wade and the No. 1 of Chris Bosh, the Heat have not issued the No. 6 of fellow Big Three partner LeBron James since he left the team during the 2014 offseason, following four consecutive trips to the NBA Finals and two championships.
James’ Heat jersey retirement is anticipated upon his NBA retirement.”
So before they have a ceremony to honor LeBron, they must first retire No. 6 for Russell and hang his jersey in the rafters. Then, they will do the same for James.
This means that more likely than not, there will eventually be two different No. 6 jerseys featured at FTX Arena.
