“He shouldn’t be compared to the Russell situation” Julius Erving believes NBA shouldn’t retire 5x Champion Kobe Bryant’s numbers league wide
Follow Us
The possibility of the NBA retiring Kobe Bryant’s number did not sit well with Hall of Famer Julius Erving. Erving was questioned about the league’s recent decision to retire the number of Boston Celtics star Bill Russell, as well as the possibility of the league retiring Bryant’s number. Julius Erving believes that commissioner Adam Silver should not retire Kobe Bryant’s number like he did with the late Bill Russell.
Unless previously worn, no NBA player will be permitted to wear No. 6 in the future, since Russell’s number will be displayed in the rafters of every team’s arena around the league. While Erving, who wore No. 6 during his career, understands why the NBA made that decision, he told TMZ that comparing Russell to Bryant is incorrect.
“I don’t think he should be compared with the Russell situation,” Erving said at LAX Airport. “We’re fresh into that but let’s see how that works out. Maybe at some point in time. Bill was 86 years old, so address it like that to an 86-year-old – multiple champions, multiple coaching champions, multiple on-and-off the court champion, or whatever – there’s no comparison.”
Bill Russell’s Rich Legacy
Russell, who was 88 years old at the time of his death, was an 11-time NBA champion and the first Black head coach of any North American professional sports club, much alone the NBA. He was also a 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA selection, and five-time MVP, which led to an easy Hall of Fame selection.
Russell was also a civil rights activist, leading a boycott in 1961 after he and two of his Black teammates were refused service at a Kentucky restaurant, and he supported Muhammad Ali’s decision to avoid the conscription for the Vietnam War. Those in the NBA world remembered his legacy both on and off the floor. Among those leading homage were NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Magic Johnson.
“Bill was a very special individual and what he did for basketball, no one else could ever do again. So I think it’s completely justified to retire his number,” he said. “He was a great friend of mine and may he rest in peace.” Erving said that Bryant’s situation should be handled by the Los Angeles Lakers, his former team. They already retired his No. 8 and No. 24 on Dec. 18, 2017, prior to his tragic death on Jan. 26, 2020.
Instead, Erving said he believes the posthumous honors that Bryant receives should be left up to his former L.A. team. “It’s more of a franchise situation with the Lakers,” Erving said. “If they wanted to do it, which I think they already have, that makes sense — but for the whole league to do it, probably not.”
Kobe Bryant’s untimely death and Legacy in the NBA
On and off the field, Kobe Bryant gave joy and set a good example. One year after his untimely passing, the basketball legend’s legacy lives on. Although Kobe Bryant is no longer with us, the Black Mamba attitude lives on. One of the best players in NBA history, parent, leader, champion, guiding light… Kobe was many things to many people, and a year on, the healing continues as he continues to inspire.
Bryant perished in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, at the age of 41, along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven other persons. After the crash that shook the basketball world and beyond, tributes poured in from all around the world, and now, a year later, his legacy only gets stronger with time.
Kobe won five NBA championships with the Lakers and two Olympic gold medals, but his legacy goes well beyond that.Last season, the Lakers won their record-tying 17th NBA Championship in Kobe’s honour. Davis and LeBron were close to Kobe, they won Olympic gold together at London 2012.
Also Read: “Real American TrailBlazer” Brittney Griner felt ecstatic while owning to her sexuality
Do follow us on Google News | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Stay Updated!
FS Desk
(8023 Articles Published)