Julius Erving, a legend in the NBA, doesn’t believe Commissioner Adam Silver should retire Kobe Bryant’s number league-wide as he did with Bill Russell. No. 6 will be allowed to be worn by any NBA player unless it is already worn. As Russell’s number will be displayed in every arena across the league, it will be No. 6 going forward. Erving, who wore the No. Erving, who wore No. 6 throughout his career, understands the NBA’s decision. However, he told TMZ that comparing Russell and Bryant was wrong. Erving stated at LAX Airport that he doesn’t believe he should be compared to the Russell situation. “We’re still fresh into this but let’s wait and see how it turns out. Perhaps at some point. Bill was 86 years of age, so you can address it to an 86 year-old. There are multiple champions, multiple coaching champions and multiple on-and off the court champions.
Julius Erving, Head Coach of the Tri-State, watches as his team plays against them during BIG3 Week Eight at Comerica Center, August 6, 2022 in Frisco, Texas.
(Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images BIG3)Erving stated that Bryant’s situation should have been handled by the Los Angeles Lakers. This was Bryant’s former team. They have already retired his No. They already retired his No. 8 and No. 24 on Dec. 18, 2017, before his tragic death on Jan. 26, 2020. 24 on Dec. 18, 2017, just before his tragic death on January 26, 2020. CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE FOXNEWS.COM SPORTS CURRENT WORK Erving stated that if they wanted it, which I believe they already do, it makes sense – but for the entire league to do so, it is unlikely.” Erving said that Bryant’s father Joe Bryant was his friend and that he used to play with him. He was affectionately called Jellybean. Russell was also a good friend of Erving and understood the immense impact he had on basketball. This is something that no other player can do. BILL RUSSELL IS REMEMBERED AS THE ‘GREATEST WINSTER’ IN BASKETBALL, CHAMPION OF CIVIL RIGHTS
Bill Russell, a member of the 1966 Boston Celtics Championship team, is honored at halftime during the game between the Boston Celtics (Boston) and the Miami Heat (TD Garden), April 13, 2016, in Boston, Massachusetts.
(Mike Lawrie/Getty Images). Bill was a special person and what he did for the game of basketball, no one could ever do it again. He said that he believes it is perfectly justified to retire his number. “He was a great friend and may he rest peacefully. “VANESSA BRYANT WINS LAWSUIT AGAINST LOS ANGELES COUNTY OVER INVASION OF PRIVACY, AWARDED $16 MILLION
Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant takes a shot during the first half of a NBA basketball game in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Branimir Kvartuc, File)
Russell, who died at 88, was an 11-time NBA champion. He was also the first Black head coach for any North American professional sporting team. He was also a 12-time All-Star, an 11-time All-NBA honoree and a five-time MVP. All of this led to him being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Bryant is also in the Hall of Fame, having been one of most outstanding players to ever grace the NBA’s hardwood. Bryant, an 18-time All Star, won five titles and was the 2007-08 MVP. He was a two time Finals MVP and a scoring champ. Bryant, along with his daughter, and seven others, were killed when their helicopter crashed in Calabasas in California in January 2020.