Died on July 31, Bill Russell has already received many tributes. It must be said that the former Boston Celtics pivot marked the NBA enormously, both on the field since he was the most successful player in history with 11 rings (1957, 1959-1966, 1968, 1969) or in out through his fight for civil rights.
This is how the NBA decided to retire its number 6 for all teams in the league, Bill Russell becoming the first player to receive this honor. In Boston, this season will therefore necessarily be special, even if the relationship between Bill Russell and the fans of Massachusetts was quite complex. The Celtics will in any case highlight the number 6 of their former pivot, via stickers, in the rackets of their field at TD Garden.
Two evenings will also be dedicated to Bill Russell: the opening match, October 18, against the Sixers, then February 12 on the occasion of the reception of Memphis, for the 89 years of the birth of the pivot.
For Wyc Grousbeck, the owner of the club, this tribute will be a red thread, thought with the family of Bill Russell. “We are planning a celebration in consultation with his widow and her family. There are sensitivities to take into account so as not to do something excessive. But we are going to pay tribute to Bill Russell,” he explained.