Players in NBA history to have their jersey retired by three different teams
From Wilt Chamberlain to Bill Russell, here are the NBA players who have had their jersey retired by three different teams.
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Bill Russell, Pete Maravich, Wilt Chamberlain
The NBA is where the crème de la crème of world basketball has played across generations and entertained enthusiasts of the sport. All-time greats have often been honored by the league for their exceptional contributions to the sport, on and off the court. Legendary players have, on several occasions, had their jerseys retired by their respective franchises by the end of their careers. But exactly how many NBA players have had the fortune of having their jerseys retired by three different teams?
When a team retires a certain number in honor of an exceptional figure in franchise history, it is surely a gesture of admiration and reverence. However, only a few certain players have had the fortune where their jerseys were retired by more than just one team.
Today we take a look at the players whose jerseys were retired by not just one franchise but three teams, to be specific. From Wilt Chamberlain to Bill Russell, the list is possessed of all-time greats.
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Bill Russell: #6 Celtics, League-wide
Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell remains one of the greatest ever to have graced the NBA hardwood. With an astonishing 11 championships to his name, the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty has had one legendary career. Owing to his contribution to their collective success, the Boston Celtics retired his iconic #6 on March 12, 1972.
But after the legend passed away in 2022, the NBA announced that Bill Russell’s iconic #6 would be retired league-wide. It was the first time in NBA history that a player was about to have his number retired across the entire league.
League Commissioner Adam Silver briefed the official statement regarding Bill Russell’s jersey retirement in August 2022. “Bill Russell’s unparalleled success on the court and pioneering civil rights activism deserve to be honored in a unique and historic way,” said Silver. “Permanently retiring his No. 6 across every NBA team ensures that Bill’s transcendent career will always be recognized.”
Bill Russell’s #6 jersey will no longer be issued in the NBA, although players who were wearing the number are allowed to continue wearing the #6.
Wilt Chamberlain: #13 Warriors, Sixers, Lakers
NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain was the first-ever player whose jersey was retired by three different franchises in league history. His spectacular performances across all the three teams he had played for in the NBA saw his iconic #13 being retired by the franchises.
The Los Angeles Lakers retired Wilt Chamberlain’s jersey on November 9, 1983, for his contribution to their championship glories. Then the Philadelphia 76ers followed suit and retired his #13 on March 18, 1991. Even the Golden State Warriors retired his jersey on December 29, 1999, making him the first-ever player whose number was retired by three different teams in the NBA.
Pete Maravich: #44 Hawks, #7 Jazz, Pelicans
Pete Maravich had his jersey number retired by three teams in the NBA, but not with the same number. The Utah Jazz, formerly known as the New Orleans Jazz, first retired his #7 jersey on December 14, 1985. Later, in 2002, when the franchise moved to New Orleans and became the New Orleans Hornets, they also retired Maravich’s #7 jersey on the team’s inaugural game in the city.
Later the Atlanta Hawks retired Maravich’s #44, which he wore while playing for the franchise between 1970 to 1974. The jersey was officially retired on March 2, 2017.
FAQs
The LA Lakers retired Wilt Chamberlain’s jersey on November 9, 1983.
NBA retired Bill Russell’s #6 league-wide in August 2022.
Bill Russell won 11 NBA Championships with the Boston Celtics.
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Ritvik Malhotra
(1085 Articles Published)