Ben Wallace Says Entire NBA Should Wear No. 6 To Start Season

The NBA is retiring Bill Russell's number, but Hall of Famer Ben Wallace wants to see the league do the opposite on opening night ... telling TMZ Sports it would be awesome to have every player wear #6 in honor of the late Celtics legend.

As we previously reported, the league decided to permanently make #6 off-limits throughout the league after Russell's passing in July ... with exception of those who are already donning the digit, like LeBron James and DeAndre Jordan.

Wallace -- who wore #6 at one point during his stellar career with the Pistons -- says he's cool with those who decided to keep their current number ... telling us, "I don't think it's a problem with them wearing number six. They couldn't foresee the passing of Mr. Russell."

The four-time Defensive Player of the Year goes on to make a suggestion of his own ... adding, "If it was up to me, I'd start the season where everybody would have to wear #6."

Russell -- who won 13 titles (11 as a player, two as a player-coach) -- passed away at the age of 88 ... after contributing decades of his life to the Association.

Hall of Fame point guard Magic Johnson said in the aftermath of Russell's death that the NBA should retire #6 across the league in honor of his legacy -- and that's exactly what happened.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver explained the decision at the time ... saying, "Bill Russell's unparalleled success on the court and pioneering civil rights activism deserves to be honored in a unique and historic way."

"Permanently retiring his No. 6 across every NBA team ensures that Bill's transcendent career will always be recognized."