Why are NBA teams wearing '6' on jerseys this season: All you need to know

The 2022-23 NBA season started off with all 30 donning sleek new jersey designs that caught everyone's attention. A feature in the jersey that has been common for all teams, aside from the sponsorships, is the number '6' patch attached to the jerseys for the 77th season.

Newer fans might be wondering why the association has decided to use this unique addition to all the teams for a specific reason. This is due to the fact that the league is honoring the legend, who recently passed away over the summer, Bill Russell.

Throughout his career in the league, Russell wore the number six on his jersey. As a member of the Boston Celtics for 13 seasons, the big man has become synonymous with the number. With the Celtics, he won 11 straight championships and it solidified his legacy as one of the greats.

Aside from his on-court greatness, Russell opened the doors for African-Americans to achieve their dreams. The iconic defender became the first black American to achieve stardom. His career on the court may be celebrated occasionally, but his impact on society lives on forever.

Not only has the league incorporated a patch into their jerseys this season, but they've also decided to retire the number. The NBA announced during the offseason their intention to retire that number across the entire league.

---

What happens to the remaining NBA players wearing number 6?

Chicago Bulls v Brooklyn Nets

The NBA's decision to retire the number across the league was well-received. Many even thought it was a heartwarming gesture by the association. However, the question that was brought up was the status of the players who are still active and wearing the number six. After this, the league addressed it logically.

According to league management, current players wearing the number are still allowed to wear the number. However, once they transition to a different team or change their jersey number, they can never go back to wearing the number six.

Players like LeBron James, Alex Caruso, and Kenyon Martin Jr. won't be changing their numbers any time soon. The only way for them to have a different jersey number is if they get traded or signed to a different team.