On Thursday, to honor Bill Russell, the NBA announced that they will permanently retire his number (6) across the entire league. With this announcement, Russell joined MLB legend Jackie Robinson (42) and NHL legend Wayne Gretzky (99) as the only players to have their jersey number retired league-wide. With the thought of retired jersey numbers in mind, let’s take a look at whose number should be retired for each NBA team next.

Atlanta Hawks: Al Horford (15)

Other Player Considered: Spud Webb (4)

The third overall pick of the 2007 NBA Draft wasted no time, helping his team reach the playoffs in his rookie year, where the Hawks lost in seven games to the eventual champion Boston Celtics. From there, the Hawks made the playoffs each season Horford played with them, including an appearance in the 2015 Eastern Conference Finals (ECF). Over nine seasons with Atlanta, Horford averaged 14.3 points per game (PPG), 8.9 rebounds per game (RPG), and 1.2 blocks per game (BPG).

Boston Celtics: Ray Allen (20)

Other Player Considered: Rajon Rondo (9)

The sharpshooting member of the Celtics most recent Big Three (Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett) gets the vote here, as he helped the Celtics win the 2008 NBA Finals and reach the 2010 NBA Finals. While the decision to leave the Celtics for the Miami Heat left a bad taste in some people’s mouths, I think there’s been enough time since then for people to get over it, and retiring Allen’s number would add closure to that period of time while celebrating his contributions to Boston.

Brooklyn Nets: Brook Lopez (11)

Other Players Considered: Vince Carter (15), Richard Jefferson (24), Kenyon Martin (6)

The 10th overall pick of the 2008 NBA Draft gets the nod here. Over nine seasons with Brooklyn, Lopez made the 2013 All-Star team and averaged 18.6 PPG, 7.1 RPG, and 1.7 BPG.

Charlotte Hornets: Larry Johnson (2)

Other Players Considered: Alonzo Mourning (33), Muggsy Bogues (1)

Johnson gets the nod over Mourning due to the two extra seasons he spent in Charlotte, and Mourning being known more for his Miami Heat years than his Charlotte years. Both players formed a dynamic duo in the early 1990s and helped lead the Hornets to the playoffs in Mourning’s last year with Charlotte. In his five seasons with the Hornets, Johnson won the 1992 Rookie of the Year (ROY) award and averaged 19.6 PPG, 9.2 RPG, and 4.1 assists per game (APG).

Chicago Bulls: Dennis Rodman (91)

Like Allen with Boston, Rodman’s jersey retirement would put all the members of the Bulls’ Big Three (Rodman, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen) in the jersey retirement section. While Rodman’s #10 has been retired by the Pistons, he won one more championship in less seasons with the Bulls. In three seasons with Chicago, Rodman won three championships and averaged 5.2 PPG, 15.3 RPG, and 2.8 APG.

Cleveland Cavaliers: LeBron James (23)

The greatest player in the franchise’s history goes here. In 11 seasons with the Cavs, James won the 2016 Finals MVP, 2009 and 2010 NBA MVP, and 2004 ROY awards. He also averaged 27.2 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 7.3 APG, and 1.6 steals per game (SPG).

Dallas Mavericks: Steve Nash (13)

Other Player Considered: Jason Kidd (2)

While Kidd won the 2011 NBA Finals with the Mavs, Nash spent more of his prime years in Dallas than Kidd. Also, Kidd’s better days came with the Brooklyn (formerly New Jersey) Nets. In six seasons with Dallas, Nash made two All-NBA and two All-Star teams, and he averaged 14.6 PPG, 7.2 APG, and 0.9 SPG.

Denver Nuggets: Carmelo Anthony/Nikola Jokić (15)

The third overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft gets the nod here, as he carried the Nuggets to playoff and championship contention. Like Horford, Denver never missed a postseason while Anthony played, including an appearance in the 2009 Western Conference Finals (WCF). In eight seasons with the team, Anthony made four All-NBA and four All-Star teams, and he averaged 24.8 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.1 APG, and 1.1 SPG.

Under this scenario, Jokić would be the last Nugget to wear #15. If Melo never wore the number, Jokić would still deserve consideration for it being retired. In seven seasons with Denver, Jokić has won the 2021 and 2022 NBA MVP awards, made four All-NBA and All-Star teams, and averaged 19.7 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 6.2 APG, and 1.2 SPG.

Detroit Pistons: Tayshaun Prince (22)

Other Player Considered: Rasheed Wallace (30)

While his stats didn’t pop off the page (12.6 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.6 APG, 0.6 SPG, and 0.6 BPG in Detroit), Prince gets the nod here due to his value to the Pistons during their window as contenders. From Prince’s rookie year until the 2009 season, the Pistons either made the ECF or the NBA Finals each season. Like Dennis Rodman in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Prince was the Pistons primary perimeter defender, helping them finish in the top five of team defensive rating with the exception of the 2007 season, where they finished seventh. Prince’s contributions to the team over 12 seasons (the most from the 2000s Pistons core), coupled with winning the 2004 NBA Finals, makes him deserving of a number retirement by Detroit.

Golden State Warriors: Tim Hardaway (10)

A star point guard, member of Run TMC (a trio consisting of Hardaway, shooting guard Mitch Richmond, and forward Chris Mullin), and innovator of the crossover dribble makes this list. Over six seasons with Golden State, Hardaway made two All-NBA and three All-Star teams, and he averaged 19.8 PPG, 9.3 APG, and 1.9 SPG.

Houston Rockets: Ralph Sampson (50)

Other Players Considered: James Harden (13), Tracy McGrady (1)

While Sampson only had three fully healthy seasons in Houston, he paired with center Hakeem Olajuwon to form the “Twin Towers” and help the Rockets make the 1986 NBA Finals. In his five seasons with the team, Sampson won the 1984 ROY award and averaged 19.7 PPG, 10.5 RPG, and 1.9 BPG.

Indiana Pacers: Paul George (13)

Other Players Considered: Danny Granger (33), Rik Smits (45)

George gets the nod over Granger and Smits due to his production as the next star in Indiana. After a period where the Pacers competed from the mid-1990s to mid-2000s, they didn’t get past the first round from 2006-2011. In 2012, George started to take the reins from Granger and led the Pacers to the second round against the Miami Heat. From there, George continued to ascend, becoming the first superstar for Indiana since shooting guard Reggie Miller. In seven seasons with Indiana (he only played six games in one of those seasons), George made three All-NBA and four All-Star teams, won the 2013 Most Improved Player (MIP) award, and averaged 18.1 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.2 APG, and 1.7 SPG.

Los Angeles Clippers: Bob McAdoo (11)

Other Players Considered: Danny Manning (5), Blake Griffin (32), Elton Brand (42)

As one of only two teams to not have a retired number (the Raptors are the other) before the Russell announcement, the initial star of the Clippers franchise gets the nod here. During his five seasons with the Clippers (formerly known as the Buffalo Braves), McAdoo won the 1975 NBA MVP and 1973 ROY awards, made two All-NBA and four All-Star teams, won three consecutive scoring titles, and averaged 28.2 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 1.1 SPG, and 2.4 BPG.

Los Angeles Lakers: Derek Fisher (2)

Other Player Considered: LeBron James (6)

Fisher gets this spot over James because of his postseason success with the Lakers. In 13 seasons with LA, Fisher made the playoffs 12 times, the WCF eight times, and the NBA Finals seven times, winning five championships. During those runs, Fisher was known best for two moments: hitting a buzzer-beater against the San Antonio Spurs in 2004 with only 0.4 seconds to shoot, and hitting two three point shots (a shot to send the game into overtime, and a go-ahead three in overtime) against the Orlando Magic in the 2009 NBA Finals. These moments, coupled with five NBA Finals wins, gives Fisher the nod here.

Memphis Grizzlies: Marc Gasol (33)

Other Player Considered: Pau Gasol (16), Mike Conley Jr. (11)

In this scenario, Gasol joins his “Grit and Grind” teammates Zach Randolph (50) and Tony Allen (9) as the only players to get their numbers retired by Memphis. Once seen as a throw-in for the Pau Gasol-Kwame Brown trade, Gasol carved out a role in Memphis and became a vital part of the “Grit and Grind” era. In 11 seasons with Memphis, Gasol won the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award, made two All-NBA and three All-Star teams, and averaged 15.2 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 3.4 APG, and 1.5 BPG.

Miami Heat: LeBron James (6)

Due to Miami’s relatively short history (they were founded in 1989 as an expansion team), James gets the nod here as the final member of Miami’s Big Three to get their jersey retired. In four seasons with Miami, James won the 2012 and 2013 league and Finals MVP awards and averaged 26.9 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 6.7 APG, and 1.7 SPG.

Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo/Ray Allen (34)

While this spot is more for Giannis’ accomplishments, Allen deserves some recognition here, as he was a star for the Bucks, leading them to the 2001 ECF. In seven seasons with Milwaukee, Allen made three All-Star teams and averaged 19.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.8 APG, and 1.3 SPG.

Meanwhile, Giannis is continuing to add to his already spectacular legacy. In nine seasons with Milwaukee, Giannis has won the 2021 Finals MVP, 2019 and 2020 NBA MVP and 2020 DPOY awards, and he has been named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team. He’s averaged 21.8 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.2 SPG, and 1.3 BPG.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Kevin Garnett (21)

With Minnesota’s ownership situation figured out (businessman Mark Lore and MLB legend Alex Rodriguez bought the Timberwolves from former owner Glen Taylor), this will probably happen soon. In 14 seasons with Minnesota, Garnett won the 2004 NBA MVP award and averaged 19.8 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.4 SPG, and 1.6 BPG.

New Orleans Pelicans: Chris Paul (3)

While he is arguably the best player in the franchise’s history (either him or Anthony Davis), there is no disagreement for Paul being considered here. In six seasons with New Orleans, Paul won the 2006 ROY award, had two top five MVP finishes (he finished second in MVP voting in the 2008 season), was the assists leader for two seasons, and averaged 18.7 PPG, 9.9 APG, and 2.4 SPG.

New York Knicks: Bernard King (30)

Other Player Considered: Carmelo Anthony (7)

While King only played three healthy seasons in New York, his impact during those seasons gives him the nod here. In his four seasons (he only played six games in his final season), the Knicks made the playoffs twice, and King averaged 26.5 PPG (including one season where he averaged 32.9 PPG), 5.2 RPG, and 1.2 APG. He’s arguably known best for outdueling Pistons star point guard Isiah Thomas in Game 5 of the first round of the 1984 playoffs, where he scored 44 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for the 127-123 overtime win.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Kevin Durant (35)

Other Players Considered: Gary Payton (20), Russell Westbrook (0), Shawn Kemp (40)

Like the next player on this list, Durant represents a star that put a city on the map, left for greener pastures, and solidified his NBA legacy somewhere else. Also, like Ray Allen and the next player, retiring Durant’s number would bring closure to a time that brought as much—if not more—joy than pain to the city. In nine seasons with OKC, Durant won the 2014 NBA MVP and 2008 ROY awards, captured four scoring titles in five years, led the team to the 2012 NBA Finals, and averaged 27.4 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 1.2 SPG, and 1.0 BPG.

Payton would’ve been my pick here, but I think that the league may want that to be held off until Seattle gets another NBA team (the Thunder were previously the Seattle SuperSonics). Once that happens, I believe Payton and Kemp will get their jerseys retired.

Orlando Magic: Shaquille O’Neal (32)

Other Players Considered: Penny Hardaway/Tracy McGrady (1), Dwight Howard (12), Nick Anderson (25)

While the Orlando Magic have retired a number (6 was retired in honor of the fans; the Magic have announced that there will be two banners in honor of the fans and Bill Russell), no Magic player has had their number retired. While the policy behind the number retirement is unclear, retiring the number of your franchise’s greatest player is probably a good first step. While Shaq was unable to deliver a title to Orlando, he—along with co-star Penny Hardaway—carried the expansion franchise to the 1995 NBA Finals and collected accolades (1993 ROY award, four time All-Star, 1995 scoring champion) while he played. Considering his performance and his number already being retired by the Lakers and Heat, O’Neal deserves to have his number retired where it all started.

Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid (21)

The third overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft gets the nod here. In six seasons with the 76ers, Embiid has made four All-NBA and five All-Star teams, won the 2022 scoring title, and averaged 26.0 PPG, 11.4 RPG, 3.3 APG, and 1.7 BPG.

Phoenix Suns: Amar’e Stoudemire (1)

The anchor of the Suns’ “Seven Seconds or Less” offense, Stoudemire complemented two time MVP and teammate Steve Nash. With Stoudemire and Nash, the Suns made the WCF three times and revolutionized the game offensively. Over eight seasons with Phoenix, Stoudemire averaged 21.4 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 0.9 SPG, and 1.4 BPG.

Portland Trail Blazers: LaMarcus Aldridge (12)

Other Player Considered: Damian Lillard (0)

Aldridge gets the nod over his former teammate Lillard here. While Lillard has continued to produce in Portland (the only team he’s played for to this point), Aldridge set the foundation in the mid-to-late 2000s and early 2010s for the Trail Blazers. While players like Greg Oden and Brandon Roy’s careers were cut short due to injury, Aldridge was durable and reliable during his Portland tenure. In nine seasons with Portland, Aldridge averaged 19.4 PPG, 8.4 RPG, and 1.1 BPG.

Sacramento Kings: DeMarcus Cousins (15)

Other Player Considered: Mike Bibby (10)

Cousins gets the nod over Bibby here due to his superstar stats and value. While Bibby enjoyed more success (five playoff appearances to Cousins’ zero), he had the help of frontcourt members Chris Webber, Vlade Divac and Peja Stojakovic. In seven seasons with the Kings, Cousins made two All-NBA and three All-Star teams, and he averaged 21.1 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.4 SPG, and 1.2 BPG.

San Antonio Spurs: Kawhi Leonard (2)

The 2014 Finals MVP gets the nod here. While the Spurs and Leonard allegedly didn’t end on great terms, I don’t think Leonard’s relationship with head coach Greg Popovich and other members of the front office is so fractured that he wouldn’t be welcomed back at the end of his NBA career. In seven seasons with the team, Leonard won the 2015 and 2016 DPOY awards, made two All-NBA and two All-Star teams, and averaged 16.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG, and 1.8 SPG.

Toronto Raptors: Vince Carter (15)

Other Players Considered: Kyle Lowry (7), DeMar DeRozan (10)

Like Shaq with Orlando, Vince Carter was the star that put the Toronto Raptors on the map. “Air Canada” played with the Raptors for seven seasons and helped them reach the playoffs in three out of his first four seasons. He also won the 1999 ROY award and averaged 23.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.3 SPG, and 1.0 BPG during his tenure there.

Utah Jazz: Deron Williams (8)

While Williams’ time in Utah was short-lived and tense, he did a commendable job of taking over from John Stockton as the star point guard of the Jazz. In six seasons with Utah, Williams made two All-NBA and two All-Star teams, and he averaged 17.3 PPG, 9.1 APG, and 1.1 SPG.

Washington Wizards: Gilbert Arenas (0)

While the gun incident will likely prevent Arenas from getting his jersey retired, his contribution to Washington during the 2000s gets him on the list. In eight seasons with Washington, Arenas made three All-NBA and three All-Star teams, and he averaged 25.0 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 5.7 APG, and 1.8 SPG.

What player would you like to see get their jersey number retired? Would you have chosen someone different for any of the teams? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

(Rest In Peace Bill Russell. Your contributions to this world will never be forgotten.)