The NBA is permanently discontinuing the number 6 in honor of Bill Russell.

NBA permanently retires No. 6 of 30 franchises Paying tribute to the legendary center of Boston Celtics Bill Russelldied on July 31 at the age of 88, the Basketball League of America reported Thursday.

“Bill Russell’s unparalleled track and civil rights success should be celebrated in a unique and historic way. By permanently retiring No. 6 from the franchise, Bill’s career is forever recognized,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

“Having one of the greatest champions of all time play basketball is a landmark honor,” said Tamika Tremaglio, executive director of the NBA Players Association.

Bill Russell won 11 NBA titles in 13 seasons in the league and wore a Boston Celtics jersey from 1956-1969. He is the most successful player in the history of North American sports.

Raised at the University of San Francisco and winning two NCAA titles with the Dons, he was selected by the Celtics in the 1956 draft, leading to illustrious rings in 1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962 and 1963. We opened the stage. 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969.

Eight of these 11 titles were back-to-back, with Russell in the lead role.

Russell too First African-American coach in NBA history, accepted the position of player and manager from 1966 to 1969, when Red Auerbach moved to the franchise’s front office. That stage led to the 1968 and his 1969 titles.

total, Russell has reached 12 NBA Finals in his 13 years in the league.He was named NBA MVP five times and an All-Star 12 times.a four-time rebounding leader (he averaged 22.5 per game in his career) and has been in the NBA Hall of Fame since 1975.