There have been a host of iconic jersey numbers in the NBA since its inception in the 1950s. From the recognizable single-digit number worn by Allen Iverson to the influential number 23 popularized by Michael Jordan, jersey numbers have its own meaning.
Of all the numbers worn by players in NBA history, No. 69 has not been worn by anyone in the league. The reason behind this is that the number is used to refer to a sexual position. Being a family league, the NBA decided to ban any player from using the number.
The other jersey number that is no longer allowed to be worn is the number “6”. However, the reason behind it is to honor the late Bill Russell. Russell was influential in the formation of the league and in the civil rights fight for his fellow African-Americans. He wore number 6 throughout his career with the Boston Celtics.
Following his death in July, the NBA decided to honor the legend by retiring the number from the entire league. Additionally, each team has a number 6 patch on their jerseys and each arena has a similar painting on their floor to honor Russell this season.
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Dennis Rodman once tried to wear 69 as his jersey number
Dennis Rodman is one of the most interesting players in NBA history: from the color of his hair (which was constantly changing) to marrying himself. He probably would have been the biggest troll in the NBA if he had played in the modern era. He tried to add to his antics when he joined the Dallas Mavericks in 1999.
Prior to the 1999-00 season, the Mavericks signed Rodman, giving him a chance to play in his hometown. When asked what number he wanted to wear during his time with the Mavs, The Worm requested that he wear number 69.
Rodman requested number 69 when he joined the Mavs. They even printed some jerseys that I’m told Mark Cuban still has: Cuban had just reached a deal to buy the team, but it wasn’t fully ratified yet because the new NBA owner vetoed that number. Rodman went with No. 70… 69+1
Mark Cuban was the new owner of the Mavs at the time and agreed to the request for Rodman’s jersey number. According to Cuban, he had already printed a T-shirt to prepare for his photo shoot.
“I wanted to wear 69, the league said no,” Cuban said. “I made one, right? Because we’re going to take pictures and everything. I was like, ‘Don’t throw that away.'”
“Back then, (Commissioner) David Stern wasn’t going to put up with Dennis Rodman and all that bullshit. Plus, they would criticize me. They would fine me every other day. They didn’t know what to do with They didn’t know what to do with Rodman.
This. It’s. Hilarious. Interviewee @mcuban about reopening TX. We started talking about ‘The Last Dance’ and @dennisrodman. In 2000, Rodman wanted to wear ’69’ for the @dallasmavs but @NBA He said no (makes sense). But a jersey has already been made for team photos… and Cuban still has it 😂 https://t.co/zQjabd7a72
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