Bill Russell given Jackie Robinson treatment as NBA retires No 6 jersey

• Former player and coach died last month at age of 88
• Honor granted for achievements on and off the court

Bill Russell's No 6 jersey is being retired across the NBA. The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association made the announcement on Thursday, permanently retiring the number worn by the 11-time champion, civil rights activist and someone good enough to have been enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach.

Russell becomes the first player to have his number retired league-wide.