Can Anyone Wear Number 6 in the NBA? Here's the Truth
The legacy behind number 6: it’s not just any number
Honoring Bill Russell — an NBA icon
Let’s get one thing straight right away: number 6 in the NBA carries serious weight. It was famously worn by Bill Russell, who wasn’t just an incredible player (11-time NBA champion, hello?) but also a powerful voice for civil rights. When he passed away in 2022, the NBA made a move that was both symbolic and historical.
The league retired number 6 across all teams — something they’ve never done before. Not even for MJ. That tells you just how massive Russell’s impact was — both on and off the court.
So what does “retired league-wide” even mean?
Basically, no new NBA player can choose to wear #6 moving forward. It's locked. Gone. Out of circulation... kind of like when your favorite sneaker gets discontinued (but like, way more meaningful).
What about current players wearing number 6?
Grandfathered in: the exception rule
Here’s where it gets interesting. Players who were already wearing #6 before the retirement decision were allowed to keep it. That’s called being “grandfathered in.” They don’t have to switch, but no one new can take that number.
Most famously? LeBron James. Yep, he wore #6 with the Miami Heat, then brought it back when he joined the Lakers. As of 2023–24, he’s still rocking it. And honestly, nobody's stopping him — I mean, it's LeBron.
Will it eventually disappear?
Yeah... probably. Once the currently active players who wear #6 retire or switch numbers, it’ll gradually fade out of use. Might take a few seasons, but the NBA’s intention is clear: make the number untouchable in honor of Russell’s legacy.
Why retire a number league-wide? That’s rare
Only one other example in U.S. sports
If this sounds like a big deal, that’s because it is. The only other major pro league to retire a number across the entire sport is MLB — with Jackie Robinson’s #42. Same kind of reasoning: massive cultural impact, a true trailblazer.
So yeah, Russell’s #6 isn’t just about basketball skills. It’s about breaking barriers, fighting racism, and being a leader — even when it was risky.
Some fans didn’t love the idea at first
Okay, full honesty: not everyone agreed with retiring #6 league-wide. Some thought it was unnecessary, or that individual teams should decide. A few even argued that it felt like a PR move. But over time, the decision has gained more respect — especially among former players and coaches who knew Russell personally.
Can future players still honor Bill Russell?
Absolutely — just not with the jersey number
Wearing #6 is out, but players still find ways to pay tribute. Some wear shoes with his name stitched in. Others speak about him in interviews, or dedicate games to him. And every NBA team now has a clover patch with the #6 on their jersey, honoring Russell throughout the season.
In short? You can definitely honor his memory — just not by putting on his number. That belongs to history now.
Final answer: Can anyone wear number 6 in the NBA?
Nope — new players cannot choose #6 anymore. Only a few stars who had it before 2022 are still allowed to wear it, and once they’re done... that’s it. So unless you’re LeBron or one of the few others who got grandfathered in, number 6 is officially off-limits.
And honestly? That feels kind of right. Some legacies deserve that level of respect.
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Is 172 cm good for a man?
Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.