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Tim BontempsESPN
BOSTON — In the lead of the Celtics The 2022-23 NBA season will be opened against the Philadelphia 76ers On Tuesday night, the franchise honored the legacy and life of TD Garden’s Founder, David Sullivan. Bill RussellThe 11-time NBA champion and civil right icon, whose No. In the wake of his passing, the NBA has retired 6 permanently.
“Bill Russell was an outstanding man,” Celtics star Jaylen Brown As part of a pregame celebration honoring Russell. But what does that actually mean? His greatness was defined by what? His role as a mentor, father, and community member was most evident in his 11 Boston championships, both coaching and playing.
Bill Russell was, without doubt, a great man, for the things and people he stood up for. He represented a kind of nobility, honor and dignity that went beyond sports at a time when there were high racial tensions. His gratitude for the amount of respect he gets from people will last forever, and I’m glad I was able meet him. His achievements on and off court were a true triumph, and we are grateful.
“It was Bill Russell who I first thought was a great man. Bill Russell was one of the greatest men.
The ceremony began about 15 minutes prior to Tuesday’s game. A video showing Russell’s life was shown, then Brown’s speech, and a spoken poem from Porsha Olaiwola (Boston’s poet-laureate), were followed by Brown’s speech.
Another video played that featured not only his basketball achievements but also his extensive civil rights work. In fact, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011 by President Barack Obama. The video played over Aloe Blacc’s performance.
Throughout the ceremony, spotlights were placed on the No. 6. In the paint at both ends, the No. 6 — this is one of many tributes that the Celtics will pay the league’s greatest figure and one who transcends all sports.
Adam Silver, the NBA commissioner, announced that Russell, who was 88 years old, would be retiring his No. 6 would be retired in the league, giving Russell that same honor baseball awarded to Jackie Robinson, the Dodgers legend.
Silver announced the decision in a statement. “Permanently retiring his number. 6 across all NBA teams ensures that Bill’s remarkable career will be remembered forever.
Players who had been wearing No. 6 Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James All NBA players will be wearing a commemorative patch on their right shoulder while playing in the 2022-23 NBA Season. Each court will have a shamrock logo with Russell’s number. 6. On the sideline, near the scorer’s table.