The Tradition of Retired Numbers
Retiring a jersey number is the highest honor an NBA franchise can bestow on a player. When a number is retired, it is permanently removed from circulation — no future player on that team can wear it. The jersey is typically raised to the arena rafters in a ceremony honoring the player's contributions.
The Boston Celtics have retired more numbers than any other franchise (24 numbers), a testament to their unmatched championship tradition. In 2022, the NBA took the unprecedented step of retiring #6 league-wide in honor of Bill Russell, making it the only number no active NBA player can ever wear again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most retired jersey number in NBA history?
Number 32 has been retired by 11 different NBA teams, making it the most retired number in league history. Legends who wore #32 include Magic Johnson (Lakers), Julius Erving (Nets), Karl Malone (Jazz), Kevin McHale (Celtics), and Bill Walton (Blazers).
Is Michael Jordan's #23 retired league-wide?
No. While #23 has been retired by the Bulls and Heat, it is not retired league-wide. The only number retired across the entire NBA is #6, which was retired in honor of Bill Russell after his passing in 2022.
Which number is retired league-wide?
Number 6 was retired league-wide by the NBA on August 11, 2022, in honor of Bill Russell. No NBA player can wear #6 again. Players who were already wearing #6 at that time were grandfathered in.
Which NBA team has retired the most numbers?
The Boston Celtics have retired the most jersey numbers (24), reflecting their unparalleled championship history with 18 titles. The Lakers and Knicks also have many retired numbers.