To find the top players in NBA history that wore a particular number we must first look to the Hall of Fame to see which of the enshrined have played with this particular number. Here is a list of the NBA Number 6s that have been enshrined.
- Don Barksdale
- Julius Erving
- Patrick Ewing
- Tom Gola
- Cliff Hagan
- Alex Hannum
- Neil Johnston
- Bobby Jones
- Ben Wallace
- Buddy Jeannette
Bill Russell
Born February 12, 1934, in Monroe, Louisiana, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Center Bill Russell. This legendary big man was a twelve-time NBA All-Star and five-time League Most Valuable Player.Russell was drafted by the St. Louis Hawks with the second overall pick in the 1956 NBA draft, but he was traded to the Boston Celtics on draft day. The Celtics had been one of the worst teams in the NBA for several years, but Russell quickly turned the team around. He led the Celtics to their first NBA championship in 1957, and he helped them win eight consecutive championships from 1959 to 1966.
"Bill the Hill" was a dominant force on the defensive end of the court. He was a relentless rebounder and a fearsome shot blocker. He was also a very intelligent player, and he was a master of defensive positioning. Russell was also a very good passer, and he often led the Celtics in assists.
Russell "The Stuffer" was not a prolific scorer, but he was a very efficient one. He averaged 15.1 points per game over his career, but he shot 52.6% from the field. He was also a good free throw shooter, making 78.5% of his free throws.
Julius Erving
Born February 22, 1950, in East Meadow, New York, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Forward Julius Erving. Known as Dr. J., Erving was a scoring sensation, averaging 24.2 points per game, but it was his amazing feats of athleticism that generally stunned the crowds. Dr. J was a sixteen-time All-Star, four-time NBA MVP, and five-time All-ABA and was selected to the 2017 NBA Greatest 75th Anniversary Team. His Houdini-like maneuvers on the basketball floor made him a legend as he played for the Virginia Squires, New York Nets, and the Philadelphia 76ers in a brilliant 16-year career.
Chuck Cooper
Born September 29, 1926, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame Forward Chuck Cooper. In 1950, this legend was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 1950 NBA draft, becoming the first African-American player to be drafted by an NBA team.Cooper's rookie season with the Celtics was difficult. He was often subjected to racism and discrimination from fans and players alike. However, he persevered and played two seasons with the Celtics, averaging 6.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
After leaving the Celtics, Cooper played for the Milwaukee Hawks and the Fort Wayne Pistons. He retired from the NBA in 1956.
Cooper's career was relatively short, but his impact on the NBA was significant. He paved the way for other African-American players to enter the league, and he helped to break down racial barriers in the sport.
