Magic Johnson Calls for NBA to Pay Specific Tribute to Bill Russell

https://heavy.com/sports/boston-celtics/magic-johnson-tribute-bill-russell/



Magic Johnson Calls for NBA to Pay Specific Tribute to Bill Russell


By Matt John
Updated Aug 2, 2022 at 7:56pm



Ever since Bill Russell‘s passing was announced, many have paid tribute to the Boston Celtics legend. That includes Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson. Following Russell’s death, Johnson has repeatedly voiced his appreciation for Russell’s impact both on and off the court. On August 2, 2022, Johnson proposed an idea to the NBA for how they can pay tribute to Russell’s legacy.


Johnson proposed to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver that the league retire the number six across the league in Russell’s honor.

Earvin Magic Johnson
@MagicJohnson
Commissioner Adam Silver should retire number 6 across the
@NBA
in honor of Bill Russell’s legacy!
1:25 PM · Aug 2, 2022·Twitter for iPhone


Doing so would mean that LeBron James, who currently plays for the Lakers, would have to change his number to a different one among the other players in the league who would have to do the same.


Many approved of Johnson’s proposal because they too agree that Russell’s legacy, both inside and outside the NBA, was that important.

Steve Smith
@stevesmithffx
Couldn’t agree more. In different ways obvs but he’s as important to the NBA as Jackie Robinson is to baseball. Make it happen.
Quote Tweet

Earvin Magic Johnson
@MagicJohnson
· Aug 2
Commissioner Adam Silver should retire number 6 across the @NBA in honor of Bill Russell’s legacy!


Chris Mannix quote tweeted Magic by referencing an article he wrote for Sports Illustrated in which he expressed a similar sentiment.


Chris Mannix
@SIChrisMannix
·
Follow
Column: https://si.com/nba/2022/08/01/bill-russell-death-nba-should-retire-number

https://www.si.com/nba/2022/08/01/bill-russell-death-nba-should-retire-number


There wasn’t unanimous support for Johnson’s proposal, but there was more than enough approval to demonstrate the kind of impact Russell left. Johnson has also recently talked about his relationship with Russell following his death.


Johnson Spoke Highly of Russell’s Character

Johnson went on to praise Russell for his humility as a person even with all the success he had. He also praised Russell’s intelligence and how much he fought for civil rights.

“Despite all of his achievements, he was so humble, a gentle giant, a very intelligent man, and used his voice and platform to fight for Black people. Since the day we met, he mentored me and shared advice.”


Earvin Magic Johnson
@MagicJohnson
·
Follow
Despite all of his achievements, he was so humble, a gentle giant, a very intelligent man, and used his voice and platform to fight for Black people. Since the day we met, he mentored me and shared advice.
11:24 AM · Jul 31, 2022


It didn’t stop there. Johnson also detailed his personal relationship with Russell while relaying what he’ll never forget about Russell on a personal level.

“Later in life, he never missed an opportunity to tell me how proud he was of me for what I was doing for Black America throughout the country. I will forever remember his cackling laugh, sense of humor, and love for the game of basketball.”

Earvin Magic Johnson
@MagicJohnson
Later in life, he never missed an opportunity to tell me how proud he was of me for what I was doing for Black America throughout the country. I will forever remember his cackling laugh, sense of humor and love for the game of basketball.


Even though he played for the one team Russell duked it out with during his playing days, it’s clear that Johnson’s and Russell’s relationship transcended the game of basketball.

However, it wasn’t just Johnson’s rapport with Russell that he treasured. He also looked up to Russell because of his accomplishments.


Johnson Called Russell His Idol

Johnson made it known how much he looked to Russell because of his career accomplishments as well as being a trailblazer for guys like Johnson.

“Bill Russell was my idol. I looked up to him on the court and off. His success on the court was undeniable; he was (dominant) and great, winning 11 NBA championships. Off the court, Bill Russell paved the way for guys like me.”


Earvin Magic Johnson
@MagicJohnson
·
Follow
Bill Russell was my idol. I looked up to him on the court and off. His success on the court was undeniable; he was dominate and great, winning 11 NBA championships. Off the court, Bill Russell paved the way for guys like me.


Johnson also made note that he idolized Russell in part because Russell inspired him to do more for the African American community because he used his platform to do just that both during and after his playing days.

“He was one of the first athletes on the front line fighting for social justice, equity, equality, and civil rights. That’s why I admired and loved him so much. Over the course of our friendship, he always reminded me about making things better in the Black community.”


Earvin Magic Johnson
@MagicJohnson
·
Follow
He was one of the first athletes on the front line fighting for social justice, equity, equality, and civil rights. That’s why I admired and loved him so much. Over the course of our friendship, he always reminded me about making things better in the Black community.


Clearly, Russell meant the world to Johnson, and he wanted the world to know just how much he meant to him as many other NBA legends did.


Bob
MY NOTE:  Unfortunately I can't seem to copy-and-paste the pics that are with the tweets.  That's why I provide the link to the original article on top.  It's really, really cool that Laker icon Magic Johnson idolized the ultimate Celtic icon Bill Russell.  Compare Magic and Kareem and everybody else's reaction to LeBum's.  The NBA should retire Russ' #6 just to force LeBitch to change his jersey against his will. Step aside, LeQueenie, a man is being honored here!


.

BobH said:
“The NBA should retire Russ' #6 just to force LeBitch to change his jersey against his will. Step aside, LeQueenie, a man is being honored here!”
king oblivious would welcome that change. Not because of the honor bestowed on Russ but for two other reasons. 1. He’ll convince himself that the number was retired as much for him as it was for Bill, and 2. It would be a marketing money maker for him, jerseys sales in a new number!

Ktron wrote:

The answer to the question why is the toilet bowl shaped like Lebron James?
Samuel L. Clemens BKA Mark Twain made the following observation:
politicians and diapers should be changed often, and for the same reason!
There in lies the answer to the aforementioned toilet bowl question. All three are frequently full of s**t!

Willjr,
It's Clemens. Otherwise agree.

AK

sinus007 wrote:Willjr,
It's Clemens. Otherwise agree.

AK

Sinus, Thanks for the correction. One more “T” and I’ll be ejected.

I think it would be a great way to honor Bill Russell by retiring his number.

Make it happen. I do not think any player including Lebron James would have a problem with that. For 2021-22 there were a total of 11 NBA players that wore #6