When the NBA announced in 2022 that Bill Russell’s No. 6 jersey would be retired across the league, it sent a clear message: Russell’s impact went far beyond basketball. The Celtics legend won 11 championships, broke barriers as the first Black head coach in a major U.S. sport, and became a powerful voice in the fight for civil rights. His number was pulled from circulation league-wide, a first in NBA history.
Players already wearing No. 6 were given the chance to keep it until they retired or switched teams. For a while, there were a few names left – LeBron James wore it for the Lakers before going back to his famous 23, and DeAndre Jordan kept it with the Nuggets until he moved on. Now, only one player remains.
The Last No. 6 Belongs to OKC
Jaylin Williams, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s hard-nosed center, is the final active player wearing No. 6. Drafted in 2022, Williams has grown into a reliable role player who can step in as a starter or provide depth off the bench. His versatility and energy were key during OKC’s recent championship run, where he gave the team valuable minutes against bigger frontcourts.
This summer, the Thunder rewarded Williams with a contract extension, making it clear they see him as part of their long-term future. His teammates and coaches praise him as a glue guy – someone who keeps the locker room loose but also locks in when it matters.
For now, No. 6 is still alive on NBA hardwood. But once Williams eventually changes teams, numbers, or hangs it up, the jersey will officially disappear from the floor. What remains will be its place in the rafters, a permanent tribute to Russell’s unmatched legacy.
Williams didn’t ask to be the last link in this story, but that’s exactly where history placed him.
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