The NBA has announced that, for the first time in league history, one player will have his number retired leaguewide. Bill Russell, regarded as the league's greatest winner and the namesake of its Finals MVP award, will be honored by the NBA with his No. "Bill Russell's unparalleled success on the court and pioneering civil rights activism deserve to be honored in a unique and historic way," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. Russell won 11 NBA championships in 13 seasons, winning five regular-season most valuable player awards. He became the first Black coach in the NBA and won two more titles.

Source: Los Angeles Times August 11, 2022 21:17 UTC